🔓 16 Billion Passwords Leaked—Change Yours Now

WEEKLY SCAM ALERTS
Week of June 22, 2025

• FBI Reports 43% Increase in Elder Fraud

• Houston Man Loses $500,000 in Senior Scam

• Las Vegas Police Stop Grandparent Scam

SENIOR SCAM NEWS
🔓 16 Billion Passwords Leaked—Change Yours Now

If you’ve ever used a computer, smartphone, or email address, your information could already be in the wrong hands. And that’s not meant to scare you—it’s meant to help you act fast.

Last week, cybersecurity experts confirmed what many of us have feared for years: over 16 billion credentials—including accounts from Apple, Facebook, Google, and more—have been leaked and are now being actively used by scammers and hackers around the world.

Here’s what happened, why it matters, and what you can do to protect yourself starting today.

What Happened?

On June 20, 2025, researchers confirmed the discovery of what’s being called the Mother of All Breaches (MOAB)—a massive collection of stolen login credentials gathered from past hacks, leaks, and phishing attacks, all now combined into one searchable database.

This database includes:

• Apple ID accounts

• Google Gmail logins

• Facebook usernames and passwords

• And millions of logins from other major platforms like Dropbox, LinkedIn, and Microsoft

These credentials were likely stolen over time during separate data breaches—but now they’ve been merged together into a single, powerful tool for cybercriminals.

Why It’s a Big Deal

This breach is dangerous because it allows scammers to launch credential stuffing attacks, where they take stolen usernames and passwords and try them across other sites and apps.

Let’s say you used the same email and password for Facebook and your bank account. If your Facebook login was leaked, scammers could try that same combo to get into your online banking. And unfortunately, many of us reuse passwords across sites, which makes us vulnerable.

In short:
If you’ve ever used the same password more than once, you could be at risk right now.

How to Check If Your Info Was Leaked

There are several websites that let you safely check if your email has been included in a data breach. One trusted resource is:

🔍 HaveIBeenPwned.com
Enter your email address and it will tell you if your data has shown up in any known breaches.

If you see a match, don’t panic—but do take action immediately.

What You Should Do Right Now

✅ Change your passwords—especially for your email, social media, bank, Amazon, and Apple/Google accounts.
✅ Use unique passwords for each site—don’t reuse passwords.
✅ Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)—this is an extra step (like a text code) that stops hackers even if they have your password.
✅ Use a password manager—tools like LastPass, Bitwarden, or 1Password can help you create and store strong passwords so you don’t have to remember them all.
✅ Stay alert for phishing—hackers may send fake emails or texts pretending to be Apple, Facebook, or your bank. Always go directly to the website instead of clicking links.

Dale’s Tip: “Change Your Passwords With a Loved One”

Cybersecurity isn’t just about tools—it’s about community. If you’re not sure how to change your password, ask a friend or family member. Or email us—we’ll help.

The Good News: You’re Not Alone

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you hear a number like “16 billion leaked passwords.” But the truth is, you are not powerless.

In fact, by changing your passwords and using 2FA, you’re doing more than most people to protect yourself. And by sharing this email, you’re protecting others too.

Your Voice Could Be the Turning Point

If something feels wrong—it probably is.

Scammers count on silence. They rely on embarrassment to keep you quiet. But reporting a scam doesn’t make you a victim—it makes you part of the solution.

Whether you caught the scam in time or handed over money, your story can help catch criminals, protect others, and recover losses.

📢 What To Do If You’ve Been Targeted

If you're over 60 or helping a loved one navigate fraud, take action right away:

• 📞 Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline:
  1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
  Trained professionals will guide you through the next steps—confidentially and with compassion.

• 💻 Report it online at the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center:
  www.ic3.gov

• 🚔 Contact your local police department, even if the scam “didn’t work.” Every report builds a case.

What to Include in Your Report:

✅ Names, emails, or numbers used by the scammer
✅ Any websites, text messages, or voicemails
✅ Details of any money sent—cash, wire transfers, gold, or gift cards
✅ Screenshots or receipts, if available

Stay safe, stay sharp, and remember: your password is your first line of defense. Let’s make sure it’s strong. If you need help, let us know.