As technology evolves, scammers are becoming creative in how they get money out of people. In 2024, scams have become more sophisticated, targeting unsuspecting individuals through a number of digital channels. We take a look at 16 sneaky scams to avoid this year:
Deep-Fake Impersonation Scams
Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) make deep-fake technology more believable then ever. Scammers are creating realistic videos and audio recordings of well-known figures or even loved ones to try to encourage people to hand money over. Scams often include pleading for money to help a loved one in distress, to give money to a charity or to extract money or sensitive information.
Crypto Investment Fraud
Cryptocurrency remains a lucrative area for scammers as fraudsters set up fake investment platforms that promise high returns on cryptocurrency investments. Scammers lure victims with fancy websites and convincing testimonials, only to disappear once they’ve collected significant sums of money. If you think that something sounds too good to be true, then it probably is, so you’re best putting your money in trusted investment opportunities that your financial advisor recommends.
Phishing-as-a-Service
Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS) kits are being sold on the dark web, allowing even non-technical criminals to launch effective phishing attacks. These kits provide ready-made templates and tools to create convincing fake emails and websites designed to steal your login credentials and any personal information you have stored.
AI-Powered Job Scams
Scammers are also using AI to create realistic job postings on popular job search websites, such as Glassdoor and Indeed. These fake listings require applicants to pay upfront for training or background checks, only for the victims to realize the job never existed once they have handed over their cash. It’s unusual for a company to take money for training and any required checks, as this is usually included in your acceptance offer.
Fake Charity Websites
Natural disasters and global crises often prompt people to give money to charities to help those in need. Scammers are exploiting disasters by creating fake charity websites that mimic common charities such as Oxfam and Save the Children, tricking people into donating money that ends up in the hands of fraudsters.
QR Code Scams
QR codes are increasingly used for payments and information sharing, but scammers have found ways to exploit this technology. Fraudsters replace legitimate QR codes with their own and victims are taken to phishing sites or malware downloads rather than looking at the items they were searching for.
Subscription Traps
Subscription traps lure consumers into signing up for free trials that convert into expensive monthly subscriptions without the customer knowing. The terms are often hidden in the fine print and include large cancellation fees. It’s essential that you check the terms and conditions thoroughly and never sign up for something under pressure.
Social Media Marketplace Scams
Online marketplaces on social media platforms are the perfect spaces for scammers to entice their next victims. Fraudsters post listings for products at unbeatable prices, convincing buyers to pay in advance only for no product to materialize. Make sure you use reputable sites for purchases and check on sites like Trustpilot to see if websites are genuine.
Health and Wellness Scams
The health and wellness industry is full of scams promising miracle cures or weight loss solutions. These scams often involve unproven supplements or devices that are marketed with fake endorsements and testimonials, leading to wasted money and potential health risks.
Fake Tech Support
Tech support scams involve scammers posing as representatives from well-known tech companies who want to fix your devices even when you’re not aware of any issues. Scammers contact individuals claiming their devices are infected with malware, then charge large fees for unnecessary or nonexistent repairs.
Overpayment Scams
In overpayment scams, fraudsters send a payment to a victim, such as a bank transfer, that exceeds the amount owed. They then request the victim to refund the excess amount, but the original payment is fraudulent which means the victim loses out.
Fake Event Tickets
With the return of large events and concerts, scammers are selling fake tickets online to fans desperate to see their favorite performers. These tickets appear legitimate but are either duplicates or completely fake, leaving buyers unable to enter the event and losing significant amounts of money.
Romance Scams
Romance scams are not a thing of the past, as scammers are becoming increasingly savvy on dating sites. Fraudsters build emotional connections with victims over time, eventually asking for money using false stories such as medical emergencies or travel expenses.
Fake Rental Listings
Scammers post fake rental listings on housing websites, often with attractive photos and low prices. The scammers then ask for deposits or the first month’s rent upfront, but the property either doesn’t exist or is already occupied, leaving the victim without a place to live and thousands of dollars down.
Tax Refund Scams
As tax season approaches, scammers send emails or make phone calls claiming to be from the IRS, offering help with tax refunds. They ask for personal information or a processing fee, leading to identity theft or taking money fraudulently.
Influencer Impersonation
Scammers create fake social media profiles that closely mimic popular influencers. They use these profiles to promote fake giveaways or investment opportunities, tricking followers into sending money or personal information.
The 10 Most Reliable Car Brands According to Mechanics
When choosing a car, one of the most crucial factors is reliability. But what exactly does it mean when we say a car is reliable? Reliability refers to the vehicle’s ability to perform consistently well over time with minimal issues. A reliable car requires fewer repairs, is cost-effective to maintain, and offers peace of mind to the owner. In this article, we delve into the ten most reliable car brands according to mechanics, explaining why these brands are trusted and highlighting endorsements from institutions, car experts, and reputable websites. The 10 Most Reliable Car Brands According to Mechanics
