Cybercrime expert, sheriff warn Knox seniors about fast-evolving scams

The Mount Vernon Lions Club welcomed Sheriff Dan Weckesser and cybercrime expert John Bartolucci for an in-depth presentation on modern fraud schemes targeting older adults during its Nov. 11 meeting. The program was introduced by Dee Scott, Treasury Management Officer at Killbuck Savings Bank, who also thanked both speakers for their continued efforts to keep the community informed and protected.

Bartolucci, who brings more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, including work with the Ohio ICAC Task Force, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force, outlined the alarming rise in senior-targeted fraud. In 2024 alone, Americans aged 60 and older lost more than $3.6 billion, with the average victim losing $33,915. He noted that only 19% of older victims report these crimes, meaning actual losses are likely to be far greater. Elder fraud increased 11% in just one year, highlighting how quickly scammers are adapting.

Bartolucci explained the factors that make older adults more vulnerable: greater accumulated savings, a tendency to trust authority figures, unfamiliarity with new technologies, and the isolation that reduces opportunities to verify suspicious claims. Beyond financial harm, many victims experience fear, embarrassment, and diminished trust.

The speakers walked the audience through today’s most common and sophisticated schemes. Tech-support scams often start with an alarming call, text, or pop-up claiming a device is infected or a bank account compromised. Scammers impersonate trusted companies like Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, or antivirus providers, pressuring victims to allow remote access, pay for bogus repairs, or move money to fraudulent ‘safe accounts.’

Impersonation scams were another major focus. Fraudsters pose as the IRS, Social Security Administration, law enforcement, Medicare, or utility companies using spoofed caller ID and official-looking emails. They threaten arrest or claim a Social Security number is tied to criminal activity. Bartolucci urged residents to hang up immediately and contact the agency directly using an official phone number.

The presentation also covered emergency or ‘grandparent’ scams, in which callers claim a loved one is in immediate trouble. Increasingly, scammers are using AI voice cloning to mimic the voice of a child or grandchild, making the deception more convincing. Secrecy, urgency, emotional distress, and rushed demands for money are common red flags. The safest response is to call the family member directly to confirm their well-being.

Bartolucci also addressed romance scams, which involve emotional manipulation through online relationships. Scammers typically pose as individuals working overseas, military, engineering, or contracting and after establishing trust, request money for fabricated emergencies. Warning signs include refusal to video chat, changing stories, and sudden financial requests. He reminded the audience of a simple rule: never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.

Throughout the evening, both speakers emphasized universal red flags: urgency, secrecy, unusual payment methods, unexpected contact, and emotional pressure. They encouraged attendees to follow the SLOW method — Slow down, Log the contact, make One call to police, and ask Who cares? by checking with supportive agencies like CAP.

Anyone who believes they may have been victimized should contact local law enforcement, including the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Mount Vernon Police Department, Fredericktown Police Department, or the Danville Police Department. Report incidents to IC3.gov, FTC.gov, or USSS.gov. Regularly updating passwords and monitoring financial accounts were also strongly recommended.

The Lions Club closed the meeting with a reminder that orders are now being accepted for the annual Christmas Flower Sale. Poinsettias are available in four sizes: 4.5-inch for $4.00, 6.5-inch for $8.50, 8-inch for $16, and 10-inch for $25. Orders may be placed through any Lions Club member or by contacting Dee Scott at dscott@killbuckbank.com.

The Mount Vernon Lions Club meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Mulberry Church downtown. Anyone interested in attending a meeting and/or joining their membership may contact Dr. Philip Holzer at eyeguy33806@yahoo.com.