I'm surprised at the level of scamming we tolerate as a society. As technologists, we have a good chance of not falling for it, but my parents are sitting ducks.
Some combination of new consumer protection laws, infrastructure improvements, and law enforcement attention is desperately needed. I don't know why this doesn't get more attention. Is it just the historical attitude that each of us are responsible for protecting ourselves? Is the line too blurry between a legit business and an outright scam?
Many of these scammers have made it their life long career. It can become an addiction and driven by the big easy money wins of a successful scam. Imagine doing this for a while - you're unlikely to have many other career options. Not sure this ever gets rooted out of society.
Some combination of new consumer protection laws, infrastructure improvements, and law enforcement attention is desperately needed. I don't know why this doesn't get more attention. Is it just the historical attitude that each of us are responsible for protecting ourselves? Is the line too blurry between a legit business and an outright scam?