Wrapping up 2024 and Moving Forward into 2025
In 2024 we saw an alarming rise in digital and tech-savvy scams that used social engineering, AI, and advanced manipulation tactics to deceive people. From fake job offers to cryptocurrency schemes, fraudsters continuously adapted to exploit trends and people’s online habits. While these scams are expected to continue into 2025, staying vigilant and aware of these tactics is the best defense.
Remember these tips:
Always research offers you are given
Be cautious about unsolicited communications
NEVER share personal information without verifying the source
Some scams that the industry has deemed will stick around into 2025 due to the effectiveness in exploiting vulnerabilities are:
AI-Powered Scams - these include deepfake videos and audio clips to impersonate CEOs, celebrities, or family members.
Crypto Investment Scams - these are fueled by the ongoing interest in digital currencies. Fraudsters will promote fake “guaranteed” crypto investment opportunities, often on social media platforms, where they are encouraged to send funds to a “secure” account.
Romance Scams - these remained one of the most pervasive frauds, particularly on social media and dating apps. Scammers build online fake relationships, often over months before fabricating a crisis to solicit money from victims.
Tech Support Scams - these scams often impersonate legitimate tech companies, typically in software or hardware brands. Victims will often receive a call - or pop-up warning them about a virus, then the scammer will offer a “solution” that involves remote access or payment of fees.
Fake Billing and Subscription Scams - These scams typically appear as emails claiming that your Netflix or Amazon membership is expiring and require immediate payment to avoid interruption.
Keep your eyes out for our upcoming blog posts where we will take a deep dive into each of these topics and the red flags associated with them!