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Abstract: 

While investigating “scams” on the Internet that targeted the elderly, I stumbled across numerous websites that showed or discussed exploitation of vulnerable adults and the elderly. Websites such as the “410 Coalition”, “Internet Scambusters”, and the “United States Secret Service” website are three examples of web locations that provide information relating to financial schemes, scams, or frauds used to victimize the public. We as practitioners must provide quality service to the public and be knowledgeable of the tools used by criminals in exploitation. These sites provide information and data useful in educating investigators from all disciplines, but more especially to educate the public. This form of criminal activity has moved from traditional mail (snail mail) to electronic mail (email) where perpetrators have become more elusive and harder to identify.

Keywords: identifying internet fraud; Email From developing countries; playing on people’s emotions; enticing victims with monetary rewards; investigating sexual abuse of the elderly

Affiliations:  1: North Myrtle Beach Department of Public Safety.