local
AI-powered scams cost Americans billions; here's why it could get worse
By Emily Hanford-Ostmann at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 9, 2026
· 3 min read
Navy veteran Mitchell Gordon saw a social media video promoting a government refund website. Thinking it was real, he entered his personal information and paid $200. The next day, he tried to cancel. "All I wanted was the $200 back, so that's when everything started," Gordon said. The $200 los...
Key takeaway "All I wanted was the $200 back, so that's when everything started," Gordon said.
Why this matters in The Waco
In Waco , where a significant portion of the population is retired or nearing retirement age, the threat of AI-powered scams is particularly concerning. The fact that people 60 and older account for $7.7 billion of the nearly $21 billion lost to cybercrime last year is a stark reminder that local seniors are vulnerable to these types of attacks. As AI makes scams more personal and targeted, it's crucial for Waco residents to be cautious when interacting with unsolicited calls, texts, or emails. Local community centers and senior organizations can play a vital role in educating seniors about the dangers of cybercrime and providing them with the tools to protect themselves. Additionally, law enforcement agencies in McLennan County should be prepared to handle an potential increase in fraud activity, and work with federal authorities to stay ahead of these evolving scams.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Navy veteran Mitchell Gordon saw a social media video promoting a government refund website. Thinking it was real, he entered his personal information and paid $200. The next day, he tried to cancel. "All I wanted was the $200 back, so that's when everything started," Gordon said. The $200 los...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Emily Hanford-Ostmann at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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