In today’s evolving digital world, scams and fraud schemes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting individuals and organizations with more frequency than ever before. We depend on technology, and its countless benefits, but it has also enabled bad actors to develop new tactics that are harder to detect and convincing.
Staying informed and vigilant is essential to protecting yourself from becoming the victim of a scam. Some of the most common scams range from AI-powered phishing emails to tech support impersonations, QR code attacks, investment fraud, and deepfake voice and video scams. By understanding these risks and learning what warning signs to watch for, you can better safeguard your personal and professional information against the latest fraudulent schemes.
Here are a few of the most common scams:
Phishing Scams
Phishing attacks are when scammers impersonate legitimate entities or companies by copying their language, logo, products, etc. Scammers might send you an email, text or link to trick you into handing over your sensitive and personal information.
With AI (artificial intelligence) becoming more commonplace, scammers now use it to craft highly convincing phishing emails that mimic trusted contacts or brands. Phishing emails are more effective for scammers and have a higher Click Through Rate (CTR) when the email contains personal information. With AI, scammers find significantly more personal information about people online, providing them with more accurate and specific information.
Be vigilant and use caution when you receive an email that looks suspicious. You can usually spot phishing content by noticing the format is different than normal content you get from a specific brand. The abnormalities might include significant typos and be badly written. There might also be an attachment or link you were not expecting.
If you notice that an email or text looks strange, make sure to report it and delete it.
Tech Support & Remote Access Scams
Another popular scam happens when scammers impersonate support agents from legitimate companies. They might pose professionals who can offer assistance with software renewal, banking apps or accounts, cable and internet companies, or cryptocurrency exchanges.
The scam usually begins through an unexpected phone call or text claiming to be tech support, or you might find an internet pop-up window urging you to call a number to also help with tech support. They typically notify you that there is a problem with your account. If you engage with the scammer, they will likely create alarm and urgency with the situation and will tell you they will help you with your problem for a fee. They could ask you to send cash, a gift card, or other forms of payment. If you give up your personal information, they could gain access to your sensitive information or even steal your money.
If you have not personally contacted tech support from a legitimate company and are not expecting a call back, do not engage with a random phone call claiming to offer tech support. If you receive a phone call, email, or text out of the blue, it could likely be a scam. Real tech support companies will never contact you unsolicited. If the person on the other end seems rushed, urgent, or frantic, it may also be a sign of a fraudulent call. Slow down, take a breath, and remember that scammers will intentionally make you feel panicked. If you feel uncertain, disengage immediately.
QR Code Phishing (Quishing)
Another common cyber-attack is through QR codes. QR codes are usually used for data storage. They can store a large amount of storage for various types of data such as product details, URLs, or contact information.
During a quishing scam, hackers might create a QR code that links to a malicious website. When scanned, these codes redirect users to phishing sites or install malware. These codes might be embedded in email, social media posts, physical printed flyers, or objects. When the code is scanned, you can be directed to a false and malicious website. Upon arriving at the malicious site, you might be asked to provide private personal information, passwords and usernames, or even financial information. If the attacker gains access to your sensitive information, you are at risk of a cyberattack.
Use caution when using QR codes, make sure you are scanning a legitimate and verified code. If you find yourself on a strange website that is asking for personal and sensitive information, the best practice is to disengage and ask for help from an IT expert.
Impersonation & Investment Scams
In addition to posing tech support, fraudsters might also pose government officials, executives, or celebrities to solicit money or sensitive data. Some use AI-generated personas or fake crypto platforms to lure victims. In this case, the scammer may impersonate registered brokers or investment advisors. They could set up an account name, profile, or handle to mimic a real individual or investment firm. They could copy the company’s actual website, logo, name, etc.
If you are unsure if you are communicating with a false individual, you can try to self-verify their identity. Try to locate the firm’s Client Relationship Summary – this is a required summary that contains important information about the firm. You can then verify the CRS by using the following steps:
- In the “Check Out Your INVESTMENT PROFESSIONAL” search box on Investor.gov, select “Firm” from the drop-down options and type in the name of the firm.
- In the search results, click on the relevant firm and then click on “Get Details.”
- Click on “Relationship Summary” or “Part 3 Relationship Summary.”
Once you have the information from the verified CRS, use only this contact information to communicate with the firm or investment personnel. Try to communicate with them through a phone call, video chat, or in person. Be wary of someone who only wants to communicate through messaging apps.
If you are considering working with an investment firm, always verify their identity. If you suspect that someone might be falsely claiming to be an investment professional, do not share any money or personal information with them. You can also report the individual at https://www.sec.gov/tcr
Be aware of these scams, as well as others. As technology develops, scams and frauds also learn, change and become more accurate and effective. If a situation feels wrong, err on the side of caution and do not engage. If you feel uncomfortable or need help deciphering if something is legitimate, call our helpful IT professionals at 402.694.5101.
Deepfake Voice & Video Scams
Another tactic that cybercriminals may use to trick you is using deep-fake technology to impersonate executives or family members via voice or video, often requesting urgent financial transfers or sensitive data. These scams are effective and difficult to detect because of their specific and personal targeting. The cybercriminal collects data and personal information about the target and their voice. They then use AI to train a fake voice to match the unique voice characteristics of the target – tone, pitch, accent, pace, etc. The scammer will generate and refine the recording until it becomes increasingly realistic.
Scammers may use these calls in various different ways. They might use them to dupe grandparents by creating a message posing as a grandchild or targeting those who are participating in online dating or other activities online. They also might pose as government officials or law enforcement – police, IRS agents or other officials.
Be cautious about phone calls from strange numbers that you do not recognize. These calls might have unusual pacing or cadence, poor audio quality, repetitive phrasing, or other unusual qualities. If you notice these warning signs, or if someone is demanding or requesting personal or banking information, disengage until you can be sure the call is legitimate.
Conclusion
Cyber-attacks and scams are a constant threat to all of us in the digital age. Scammers are always looking for new ways to dupe and confuse internet users, so if something seems off, it is important to disengage right away. If you feel unsure or uncomfortable by something that seems like it could be a scam, slow down and think carefully. You can always call our Tech Support Experts at Hamilton at 402.694.5101 for assistance with identifying a scam.