Social Media Scams: Con Artists Target the Vulnerable

Social media and internet dating sites have given rise to romance and confidence schemes.  Catfishing and spear phishing are extensively used.  Catfishing is faking an identity on the internet. Spear phishing uses more sophisticated and direct messages to trick the victim. New AI programs make it easier to reach and victimize the targets. The fraudsters prey upon the elderly, widowed or divorced men and women. Online profiles are manipulated to include fake photos and biographies. The goal is to exploit the victim who is searching for love and companionship.

A horror story: A debtor who . . .

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M Joseph Photo 2-1-22

Former Chapter 13 Trustee

Michael B. Joseph was the Chapter 13 Trustee for the District of Delaware (appointed in 1987) and has served as a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee (appointed in 1981) and a Chapter 12 Case Trustee. He also is a partner in the Wilmington, Delaware law firm of Ferry, Joseph, P.A.  Mr. Joseph received his B.A. from Rutgers University (1972) and his J.D. from Widener University (1975). He is admitted to practice in Delaware (1976), New Jersey (1977), United States District Court for the District of Delaware (1977) and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals (1990). Mr. Joseph is a Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy. Mr. Joseph is a Past President of the National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees (2010-2011) He is also has served as a member of the Liaison Committee to the U.S. Department of Justice Executive Office for United States Trustees in Washington, D.C. (2006-2011). He is a member of the Delaware Bankruptcy American Inn of Court, the Bankruptcy Section of the Delaware State Bar Association, the American Bankruptcy Institute, the American Bar Association, and the Local Rules Committee of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

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