In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, fraudsters are always devising clever ways of tricking people. Avoid falling for these six trending scams by recognizing their warning signs.
1. Pig butchering scam
This scam is named for the way scammers “fatten up” their victims. Online criminals create fake identities, then lure in victims on social media or dating apps with enticing investment opportunities (often in cryptocurrency). They persuade you to invest on a fake platform, starting with small amounts of money, increasing to larger amounts later on. After getting as much money as they can from a victim, they go silent.
How to spot pig butchering
Be on the lookout for these key warning signs:
Emotional manipulation tactics
Constantly mentions money or investment opportunities
The ability to make small withdrawals, which is a method for building trust
Text messages sent from an incorrect number
2. AI audio scams
Scammers gather voice samples from social media, podcasts and public recordings, then use AI technology to mimic someone you know and trust, like a friend or family member. The audio is used to trick you into sending money and divulging personal information.
How to spot AI audio scams
To keep yourself secure from AI-using fraudsters:
Verify the speaker’s identity by meeting face to face
Listen for robotic-sounding voices or an unfamiliar tone
Be wary of unexpected requests for money
3. Phishing 2.0: Sophisticated attacks
The original version of this scam relied on generic emails. Today, cybercriminals gather extensive data on their target and send hyper-personalized emails that often appear to be sent by your bank or a work colleague. Because they “recognize” the sender, the phishing victim enters their personal or financial information, which is then exploited by the scammers.
Scammers are also creating more and more highly convincing “deepfakes,” which are falsely generated images, audio and/or video of people doing or saying things that never happened. The most noticeable signs of deepfakes are a sense of urgency and inconsistencies, such as an out-of-sync voice or unnatural physical movements.
How to spot phishing 2.0
To help protect yourself against phishing attacks:
Check the sender anytime you receive a message asking for sensitive information
Avoid clicking on links from suspicious sources
Use two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security
Be skeptical of any urgent ask or generous offer
Look for questionable links or unusual email addresses, which could point toward a phishing attack
Read more: Learn about cyber hygiene and take our quiz to make sure you are staying safe online
4. QR Code scams
Designed for convenience at locations like restaurants and museums, scammers will create fake QR codes, distributing them via email and social media or pasting them over legitimate codes in public places. When someone scans the fraudulent code, they’ll be redirected to a site that collects personal information or prompts the download of malware.
How to spot QR code scams
To avoid fake QR codes:
Be cautious of QR codes placed in unusual locations
Use an app that detects malicious QR codes
Preview a URL before clicking to ensure it’s legitimate
5. Online shopping scams
Criminals set up fake online stores or product listings to trick people into making purchases that either never arrive or are fake. Claims of low prices and hard-to-find items are used to lure victims.
How to spot online shopping scams
Stay safe when online shopping by:
Always researching online retailers and read customer reviews before buying
Be cautious with deals that seem too perfect
Shop from sites that accept secure payment methods like credit cards and PayPal
6. Social media scams
Cybercriminals use social media to post fraudulent ads and pages, share phishing links and create fake profiles used to steal personal information and money. They even take over victims’ online accounts, gaining access to their personal contacts.
How to spot social media scams
You can protect yourself against fraudsters by:
Being cautious of accepting friend requests from people you don’t know
Avoid clicking on links or attachments in unsolicited messages
Use all available security features, including 2FA, to limit unauthorized account access
Research a page’s contact info, reviews and history before making any purchases
What to do if you have been scammed
Digital criminals are enticing people in ever-sophisticated ways, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you become a victim. Instead, take action:
Act quickly by reporting the incident to relevant authorities
Change any passwords, disable credit cards and take timely action to cut off access to your account
Contact a cybersecurity expert to help you understand the scam’s full impact
Stay informed
Being aware and staying informed are your best defenses against digital fraud. Recognize the signs and know how to respond so you can protect yourself and your finances from these evolving threats.
