It seems like every day we’re being bombarded with a new scam either from our own experience or seeing it on the news. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), scammers are getting more and more skilled at tricking us. It used to be that older adults were targeted but younger people can be fooled just as easily. Even celebrities have fallen victim to all sort of scams so you’re not alone!
Below are some of the more recent scams to become aware of and keep you on your toes. The bottom line is it makes sense to always be on guard and suspicious of everything. Doing a little bit of research and taking extra steps could save you big not only financially but emotionally too.
1. Brushing Scams
What It Is: Brushing scams involve unsolicited packages being received from online retailers. Fraudsters send these packages to boost the sales and ratings of their products by creating fake reviews.
How It Works: Brushing scams involve receiving packages from online retailers that you never ordered or paid for. At first it sounds fun to receive free products but it’s fraud. Scammers send these packages because they want to boost the sales and ratings of their products by creating fake reviews. In order to create a fake review online retailers like Amazon need a real brick and mortar address so you’ll be randomly chosen.
What to Look For:
- Receiving packages you didn’t order.
- The sender’s address is unknown or the packaging is vague.
What to Do:
- Report the unsolicited package to the retailer and the online platform where the product is sold.
- Change your account passwords to ensure your personal information isn’t being misused.
- Consider reporting the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) fraud unit.
2. AI Voice Cloning Scams
What It Is: Scammers use AI to clone the voice of a loved one or friend and use it to call and request money or personal information.
How It Works: By recording a short snippet of a person’s voice, scammers use AI to make it into a longer recording that sounds real. They then call victims pretending to be the loved one in distress and request urgent financial assistance. Often this will be an AI generated voice of a grandchild in distress calling a grandparent.
What to Look For:
- Strange or urgent requests from a loved one’s phone number.
- Slight changes or delays in the voice or odd behavior.
What to Do:
- Verify the identity of the caller by asking questions only they would know.
- Contact the person through another means to confirm their safety.
- Report the incident to local authorities and your phone provider.
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3. QR Code Scams aka Quishing
What It Is: Scammers are placing fake QR codes in public places like telephone poles, ATMs, at gas stations, etc. to steal personal information or redirect payments to fraudulent accounts.
How It Works: Victims scan the QR code with their smartphones, which either directs them to a phishing website or initiates a fraudulent transaction.
What to Look For:
- QR codes in unexpected and public places.
- Websites that request personal information immediately after scanning a QR code.
What to Do:
- Verify the source of the QR code before scanning.
- Use a QR code scanner app that checks the URL before opening it.
- If you suspect you’ve scanned a malicious QR code, monitor your bank accounts and report any suspicious activity.
4. Romance Scams on Social Media
What It Is: Scammers create fake profiles on social media and dating sites to build romantic relationships with unsuspecting victims, eventually tricking them into sending money.
How It Works: The scammer engages in an online relationship with the victim, building their trust over time. They then fabricate an emergency or an investment opportunity, asking the victim for money.
What to Look For:
- Profiles with limited photos and information.
- Requests to move the conversation off the platform quickly.
- Stories that seem too good to be true or urgent requests for money.
What to Do:
- Do thorough research on the person’s profile and photos.
- Don’t send money to someone you’ve only met online.
- Keep a level head, don’t get caught up in the emotion but look at the situation objectively.
- Report suspicious profiles to the platform’s support team.
You might also be interested in reading this blog, Trending Netflix Shows Give Real World Attention to Importance of Protecting Yourself Against Hackers
5. Fake Job Offers
What It Is: Scammers post fake job listings to steal personal information or money from job seekers.
How It Works: Victims apply for what seems like a legitimate job. The scammer then asks for personal information, such as Social Security numbers or bank details saying they need it to process the job application. In some cases, they ask for payment for training materials or background checks.
What to Look For:
- Job offers that seem too good to be true.
- Requests for personal information or payment before an interview.
- Poorly written job descriptions and communication.
What to Do:
- Research the company and verify the job listing through official channels.
- Never share personal information or make payments upfront.
- Report suspicious job listings to job boards and the FTC.
Worried about insurance fraud? Read our blog,Life Insurance Fraud: What to Know and How to Protect Yourself
Protecting Yourself
In addition to being aware of these specific scams, staying vigilant and skeptical is key. Here are some additional tips:
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest scams by following reputable news sources and cybersecurity websites.
- Educate Others: Share information about scams with friends and family, especially those who may be more vulnerable.
- Use Technology: Enable security features on your devices, such as two-factor authentication and security software.
If you suspect you’ve been a victim of a scam, take immediate action by contacting your bank, credit card company, or the relevant authorities. Want more? Check out our blog 8 Tips to Keep Your Data Safe from Hackers & Cybercriminals
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