If you’re like me, you’ve seen more scams in your email and texts lately. Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, using new technologies and psychological tricks to deceive people. Fraudsters are leveraging artificial intelligence, impersonation techniques, and digital platforms, such as social media, to target unsuspecting victims. Here’s a breakdown of the latest scams and how you can stay safe.
AI-Powered Scams
Artificial intelligence has revolutionized fraud, making scams more convincing than ever. Criminals use AI-generated voices, deepfake videos, and realistic phishing emails to trick victims into handing over personal information or money.
Deepfake is defined by the Merriam Webster dictionary as an image or recording that has been convincingly altered and manipulated to misrepresent someone as doing or saying something that was not actually done or said.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Be skeptical of unexpected messages, even if they appear to be from someone you know.
- Verify requests for money or sensitive information by contacting the person or organization directly. Do not use the phone numbers in suspicious emails, texts, or phone calls. Use verified numbers the person or company has provided you or you find through an online search.
- Use multi-factor authentication to secure your accounts. This includes passcodes and passwordless accounts where available.
Imposter Scams
Scammers pose as government officials, bank representatives, or even family members in distress to manipulate victims into sending money or revealing personal details.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Never trust unsolicited calls or messages requesting money or sensitive information.
- Verify the identity of the caller by contacting the person or organization directly.
- Be cautious of urgent requests that pressure you to act quickly.
QR Code Scams
QR codes are being exploited by fraudsters to direct users to malicious websites or install malware on their devices without their knowledge.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Only scan QR codes from trusted sources.
- Avoid scanning codes found on flyers, in unsolicited emails or social media posts.
- Use a QR code scanner that previews the URL before opening it.
Learn more about QR code scams from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Toll Road Scams
Scammers send fake text messages claiming unpaid toll fees, tricking victims into providing payment details.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Verify toll payments through official websites rather than clicking on links in text messages.
- Be cautious of messages threatening immediate penalties or license suspension.
You can find out more about toll road scams from the FTC.
Job Scams
Fraudsters target job seekers with fake employment offers, often requiring upfront payments or personal information.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Research companies before applying for jobs.
- Avoid job offers that require payment for training or equipment.
- Never share sensitive information like your social security number with unverified employers.
Find out more about job scams from Indeed and the FTC websites
Stay Vigilant
Scammers prey on trust and urgency, making it crucial to stay informed and cautious. Always verify unexpected requests, use strong security measures, and report suspicious activity to authorities.
For more details on the latest scams, check out these blogs from AARP, Experian, and Norton.
