Report calls for an all hands response to escalating fraud

• Consumers are losing an estimated $158 billion a year to fraud, with about 57,000 new victims each day, a new report warns.

• The National Task Force on Fraud and Scam Prevention calls for a coordinated strategy across financial firms, telecoms, social media, and big tech.

• Advocates urge Congress to close legal gaps, hold institutions that receive fraudulent payments accountable, and strengthen enforcement tools.

A new report, United We Stand: A National Strategy to Prevent , says fraud has reached a devastating national scalecosting consumers roughly $158 billion each year and ensnaring about 57,000 new victims daily. The National Task Force on Fraud and Scam Prevention, which spans private, public, and nonprofit sectors, argues that the surge of artificial intelligence tools and faster payment options has made more destructive and harder to stop.

Many are now what are called APP meaning that consumers are tricked into voluntarily sending money, often via an app. Learn more about how you can prevent APP here.

We need all hands on deck to combat fraud, said Carla Sanchez-Adams, senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC). Financial institutions and payment providers need to ensure criminal fraudsters are unable to open accounts and receive stolen funds. Telecom and social media companies must prevent these bad actors from accessing and abusing their systems and platforms to initiate fraud schemes. And big tech companies are needed to leverage their best technology to detect and eliminate fraud.

Congressional hearing spotlights legal gaps

At a recent hearing of the U.S. House Financial Services Committees Oversight and Investigations Subcommitteetitled Fraud in Focus: Exposing Financial Threats to American FamiliesSanchez-Adams urged lawmakers to plug holes in consumer protection laws. Among the priorities she outlined:

• Close legal gaps so consumers are protected from both unauthorized transactions and fraudulently induced payments.

• Hold institutions that receive fraudulent funds accountable, not just the originating platforms.

• Coordinate with the FCC to address the role of telecommunications providers that enable large-scale scam campaigns.

Industry and federal and state governments must work together to strengthen policies and practices to protect consumers, added Patrick Crotty, senior attorney at NCLC. Congress and regulators should also expand enforcement of existing laws and hold companies that facilitate fraud, like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) call providers, accountable for fraud on their networks.

Enforcement wish list: strengthen TCPA and broaden telemarketing rules

Advocates say the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) should be strengthened to bolster enforcement against providers that transmit scam calls and textsincluding an explicit pathway to target providers that allow scammers onto U.S. phone networks. They also want the FTCs Telemarketing Sales Rule expanded to cover all attempts to wrongfully obtain things of value, including personal data, not just money.

The report contends that beyond updating statutes, regulators and companies need to deploy advanced analytics and identity checks to prevent fraudsters from opening mule accounts, and to choke off scam traffic before it reaches consumers.

Whos behind the task force

The National Task Force on Fraud and Scam Prevention is convened by the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program with support from JPMorgan Chase, Zelle, Block, Target, Amazon, and CLEAR, and impact partners AARP and Stop Alliance.

Prevention tips for consumers

• Slow it down: Scammers use urgency. Hang up, pause, and verify through official channels you find yourself.

• Lock down payments: Treat instant transfers (P2P, wires, crypto) like cashonce sent, its gone. Enable extra verification for large or first-time payees.

• Double-check caller identity: Dont trust caller ID or profile pics. Call back using a number from a bank card or official website.

• Use account alerts: Turn on transaction and login alerts at your bank and credit card issuer.

• Guard personal data: Never share one-time passcodes, PINs, or full SSNs over the phone or text.

• Report fast: If youre targeted or duped, contact your bank and report to the FTC (ReportFraud.ftc.gov) and your state AG.

What to do if youre scammed

1. Contact your bank immediately to try to cancel or recall the payment; ask for written confirmation of your claim.

2. Change passwords and enable 2FA anywhere the scammer may have access (email, banking, cloud drives).

3. File official reports with the FTC, your state attorney general, andif it involved phone or textthe FCC.

4. Preserve evidence: Save messages, usernames/handles, phone numbers, transaction IDs, and screenshots.

5. Place fraud alerts with credit bureaus; consider a credit freeze if identity data was exposed.

6. Follow up regularly with your bank and agencies; keep a timeline and ticket numbers.

Quick checklist

Pause and verify through trusted contact info
Use bank alerts and 2FA on all financial accounts
Treat instant transfers like cash
Never share one-time codes or PINs
Report immediately and save evidence

A decade-long U.S. survey shows rising self-reported brain fog, but researchers urge cautious interpretation

• Between 2013 and 2023, the share of U.S. adults reporting serious difficulties with concentration, memory, or decision-making rose from 5.3% to 7.4%.

• The biggest jump occurred in young adults (ages 1839): their rate nearly doubled over that period.

• Lower income, less education, and certain racial and regional groups saw especially strong increases.

Lately, more and more Americans are saying they struggle with "brain fog," and theAmerican Academy of Neurology (AAN) highlighted a newly published study that tracks exactly that trend.

While we tend to think cognitive decline comes with age, in this study, younger adults (those under 40) showed the steepest increases. That raises questions: Is something influencing brain health broadly? Or are people just more aware and willing to report issues now?

Challenges with memory and thinking have emerged as a leading health issue reported by U.S. adults, study author Adam de Havenon, M.D., M.S., said in a news release.

Our study shows that these difficulties may be becoming more widespread, especially among younger adults, and that social and structural factors likely play a key role.

The study

The research is based on data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a long-running U.S. phone survey coordinated by state health agencies and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Heres a breakdown of the methods:

• The researchers looked at responses collected annually from 2013 through 2023, excluding 2020, because the COVID-19 pandemic likely disrupted survey routines.

• In total, they analyzed more than 4.5 million responses over that period.

• Respondents were asked: Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition, do you have serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions? Those answering yes were flagged as having a self-reported cognitive disability.

• To reduce confounding, the study excluded individuals who self-reported having depression, dementia, or other cognitive disabilities.

• The researchers then tracked how the prevalence of yes responses shifted over time, and looked at how changes varied by age group, income, education level, race/ethnicity, and region.
  

Its important to note: this is survey data, based on how people perceive their own problems. It does not involve brain imaging, clinical diagnosis, or objective measurements of cognitive function.

The results

Major Findings

• Overall, the proportion of adults reporting serious trouble with thinking or memory climbed from 5.3% in 2013 to 7.4% in 2023.

• Among 1839 year olds, the rate nearly doubled from about 5.1% to 9.7%.

• For older adults (70+), the rate actually declined slightly over the same period.

• People with household incomes under $35,000, and those with lower levels of education, consistently reported higher rates, and saw some of the biggest increases.

• Racial and ethnic groups experienced varying rises. For example, rates among American Indian/Alaska Native and Hispanic adults tended to increase more sharply.

What We Cant Conclude (Yet)

• This study does not show cause and effect. The results cant say why these rates increased.

• Self-report surveys can be influenced by increasing awareness, shifting attitudes toward mental health, or even changes in how people interpret survey questions.

• Because clinical testing or objective cognitive assessments were not done, we cant tell whether these complaints reflect genuine brain changes, early signs of cognitive decline, or something else.

• The exclusion of people who said they already have depression or dementia helps reduce overlap, but it may also remove people whose cognitive complaints are real but co-occur with mood conditions.
  

What You Can Do if Youre Worried About Brain Fog

If youve noticed more forgetfulness or trouble concentrating, it doesnt necessarily mean something serious is wrong. Here are a few steps you can take:

• Talk to your doctor If memory or focus problems are interfering with daily life, a check-in with a health care professional is the best first step.

• Prioritize sleep Poor or irregular sleep is one of the most common drivers of brain fog.
  Check your stress levels High stress and anxiety can look a lot like memory trouble. Stress-management strategies (exercise, relaxation techniques, therapy) may help.

• Stay physically active Regular movement is linked to better brain health and sharper thinking.

• Review medications and health conditions Sometimes side effects or untreated conditions (like thyroid issues) contribute to cognitive complaints.

• Keep your brain engaged Reading, puzzles, learning new skills, and social interaction can all support mental sharpness.
  

The new study doesnt prove why more people are reporting cognitive difficulties, but its a reminder that brain health deserves attention at every age.

A vet shares dos and donts for pet owners this season

• Keep candy, chocolate, and decorations out of reach common Halloween items like chocolate, xylitol candies, glow sticks, and fake cobwebs can be toxic or dangerous to pets.

• Watch for costume stress only dress up pets if the outfit allows them to move, breathe, and see normally, and stop immediately if they seem anxious or uncomfortable.

• Plan ahead to reduce anxiety and escapes set up a quiet, secure space for pets during trick-or-treating, and make sure they have ID tags or microchips in case they slip out.

Halloween might be all about costumes, candy, and spooky fun for usbut for our pets, the holiday can bring more tricks than treats.

To help pet parents navigate the season safely, we spoke with Dr. Abel Gonzalez, Clinical Director and Veterinarian at Dutch, who shared his best tips for keeping furry friends happy and healthy this Halloween.

For all pets, prevention is the theme: better to avoid emergencies with planning than to spend the night at the ER, Dr. Gonzalez said. Halloween can be fun for everyone, as long as pets comfort comes first.

The biggest risks for pets

Dr. Gonzalez shared the biggest risks for dog and cat owners to be aware of this Halloween season.

For dogs, the main risks are toxic foods (chocolate, raisins, xylitol candies), choking hazards from wrappers, and stress from constant visitors, Dr. Gonzalez said.

For cats, the dangers are often environmental: open doors that tempt escapes, toxic seasonal plants like lilies in arrangements, and the risk of being startled by costumes or loud noises. Decorations like string lights and fake cobwebs are irresistible but dangerous chew toys for cats.

What to avoid during Halloween

Building off the biggest risks for pets, Dr. Gonzalez also shared some of the most important things pet owners should avoid during Halloween.

Avoid glow sticks, fake cobwebs, or stringy dcor that cats might chew and swallow, he said. Dont take nervous dogs on crowded trick-or-treat walks or force cats into costumes for photos.

Keep all candy bowls far from curious paws. And remember: even small candles in pumpkins can be a burn or fire risk for both pets.

Should your pet be in a costume?

When it comes to costumes, its not always the best choice for your pet. While it may seem like a fun photo opportunity, or a way to get into the holiday spirit, your pet may not feel the same.

A good costume lets your pet move, breathe, and see normally, Dr. Gonzalez said. If your dog looks relaxed and wags through it, or your cat calmly tolerates a lightweight accessory, youre likely safe.

"But if they freeze, wriggle, pant, hide, or try to chew the outfit, its a bad idea. Always keep costume sessions short and supervised.

Easing anxiety

Halloween also means the doorbell is ringing often, and people who your pet doesnt recognize are coming to the door. This also means that anxiety is likely to spike for nervous pets.

However, there are ways for pet owners to help manage their pets anxiety.

Dogs benefit from having a cozy space away from the front door with white noise or calming chews, Dr. Gonzalez said. Cats should be kept in a quiet, secure room with their litter box, favorite bed, and hiding spots to avoid darting out the door.

For both species, calming supplements or pheromone diffusers can help if anxiety is high. Halloween night isnt the time to start training prevention works best.

Preparation is key

Pet owners should have a plan to ensure their pets stay safe and healthy during Halloween excitement. Some strategies Dr. Gonzalez suggests include:

• For dogs:

  • Offer food puzzles or long-lasting chews to redirect energy

  • Use a leash or baby gate if theyre near the action

• For cats:

  • Ensure they have a stress-free safe room with food, water, litter, and perches

  • Bonus points: leave on calming music or Feliway.

• Microchips and ID tags are lifesavers for both species in case of escapes.

At Dutch, we remind families that Halloween is a human holiday pets join in only if its safe and comfortable for them, Dr. Gonzalez said. With some empathy, preventive care, and preparation, your pets can stay safe and stress-free while you enjoy the festivities.

Snapchat called a digital trap for children in new lawsuit

By Truman Lewis of ConsumerAffairs

• Attorney General Kris Kobach alleges Snapchat is unsafe for children despite marketing claims.

• Lawsuit says apps addictive design exploits young users and worsens mental health risks.

• Kansas cites violations of the state Consumer Protection Act, seeking accountability from Snap.

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach has filed a lawsuit against Snap, Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, accusing the social media platform of misleading families about its safety and causing harm to teenagers across the state. The case was filed in Washington County District Court and alleges multiple violations of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act.

According to the petition, Snap falsely presents Snapchat as safe for children while exposing users to mature and harmful content. The state claims the company deliberately designed features to make the app addictive, despite knowing the risks to young people.

Kobach said Snapchats marketing misled parents into believing it was a safe platform for teens. The company knowingly designed an app with manipulative features that prey on the mental health of our children. They have prioritized profit over safety, and our lawsuit holds them accountable for the devastating harm caused to Kansas families, he said.

The lawsuit highlights Snapstreaks, infinite scrolling, and other design choices that encourage compulsive use. It also points to app store ratings of 12+ and T for Teen, which the state argues are deceptive because they mask exposure to profanity, sexual material, nudity, and drug-related content.

Evidence from Snaps own research

The attorney generals office cites Snaps internal research acknowledging the platforms addictive qualities and risks to mental health. Advisor to the Attorney General Joseph Sciarrotta said the companys design strategy amounted to a digital trap for children.

Our investigation found that Snaps design encourages addiction and compulsive use with features that are intentionally designed to exploit the vulnerabilities of young minds, Sciarrotta said. This action alleges that the company made deceptive and misleading claims about safety and parental controls that have contributed to an unacceptable mental health crisis among our youth.

Whats next

The lawsuit seeks to hold Snap accountable for what Kansas officials call deceptive and unconscionable business practices. If successful, the state could win injunctive relief and financial penalties, as well as force changes to the way Snapchat operates for young users.

Prevention tips for parents

• Review app store ratings carefully: Dont rely solely on 12+ or T for Teen labels check what actual content kids may be exposed to.

• Set screen time boundaries: Use built-in device tools to limit daily app use.

• Discuss risks openly: Talk with children about addictive features like streaks, filters, and endless scrolling.

• Enable parental controls: Explore monitoring tools available through app stores, devices, or third-party software.

• Model healthy use: Show kids by example how to put down the phone and take breaks.

What to do if your child is affected

If you believe your child has been harmed by compulsive use of Snapchat or exposure to inappropriate content:

1. Document the issue Take screenshots of problematic content or excessive use patterns.

2. Seek help Talk to a pediatrician or counselor if compulsive use is affecting your childs health.

3. File a complaint Parents can report issues to the Kansas Attorney Generals Consumer Protection Division or the FTC.

4. Adjust app settings Restrict permissions, disable notifications, or consider deleting the app.

5. Join support groups Connect with other parents navigating similar challenges.

Quick checklist callout

Talk to kids about risks
Set daily screen time limits
Check app ratings beyond the label
Enable parental controls or monitoring tools
Watch for warning signs of compulsive use