Latest Scams and Fraud, and How to Stay Safer
Technology has made it easier than ever to stay connected with family, shop from home, and manage our finances. But it has also made life easier for scammers.
The good news is that most scams follow familiar patterns. Once you know what to look for, they become much easier to recognize and avoid.
I often tell my classes that scammers are not looking for the smartest or least intelligent people. They are looking for people who are caught off guard. In other words, their goal is to create fear, urgency, excitement, or curiosity so you'll act before you have time to think.
Let's look at some of the newest scams making the rounds and, more importantly, what you can do to protect yourself.
The “Your Account Has Been Hacked” Scam
You receive an email claiming someone has logged into your email account, bank account, or Facebook account. The message looks official and may even include a company logo.
It tells you to click a link immediately to secure your account.
The problem is that the link doesn't take you to the real company—it takes you to a fake website designed to steal your username and password.
What to do instead
Never click links in unexpected emails or text messages.
Instead, open your web browser yourself and go directly to the company's website, or use the company's official app.
AI Voice Cloning Scams
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made it possible for scammers to copy someone's voice after hearing only a few seconds of audio.
Imagine getting a phone call that sounds exactly like your grandson saying:
“Grandma, I've been in an accident. I need money right away.”
The voice may sound completely real.
How to protect yourself
Don't panic.
Hang up and call your family member using the phone number you already have saved.
Many families are now creating a secret family code word known only to relatives. If someone calls claiming to be a family member in an emergency, ask for the code word.
If they don't know it, you'll know it's a scam.
Fake Bank Fraud Calls
Scammers now pretend to be your bank's fraud department.
Your caller ID may even display your bank's name because scammers can fake caller ID—a trick called “spoofing.”
They'll tell you there has been suspicious activity and ask you to verify your account number, password, or the security code texted to your phone.
Remember this:
Real banks will never ask for your password or one-time verification code over the phone.
The safe response
Hang up.
Then call the phone number printed on the back of your debit or credit card.
Fake Tech Support
Your computer suddenly displays a message saying:
“Warning! Your computer has been infected! Call Microsoft immediately!”
Or someone calls claiming they're from Microsoft or Apple.
Neither Microsoft nor Apple monitors your computer looking for problems.
These pop-up warnings and phone calls are almost always scams.
What to do
Close the browser window.
If necessary, restart your computer.
Never allow someone you don't know to remotely control your computer.
Text Message Scams Keep Growing
Scammers send texts claiming:
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You owe money for unpaid tolls.
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Your package couldn't be delivered.
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Your Netflix account is expiring.
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Your bank account has been locked.
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You've won a prize.
Almost every one of these messages includes a link.
That's the trap. If you're unsure whether the message is legitimate, go directly to the company's website instead of tapping the link.
If you're unsure whether the message is legitimate, go directly to the company's website instead of tapping the link.
QR Code Scams
Quick Response (QR) codes have become very popular.
Unfortunately, scammers have started placing fake QR codes on parking meters, restaurant tables, flyers, and even public bulletin boards.
Instead of taking you where you expected, the code sends you to a fake website designed to steal your information.
If a QR code looks like a sticker placed over another code or seems suspicious, don't scan it.
Romance Scams
These scams continue to cost Americans billions of dollars every year.
Someone you meet online begins developing a relationship with you.
Weeks or months later, an emergency suddenly appears.
They need money for medical bills.
A plane ticket.
A business problem.
A customs fee.
Whatever the story, the request is always for money.
If someone you've never met in person asks for money, it's almost certainly a scam.
Investment Scams
Social media is full of advertisements promising:
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Guaranteed profits
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Secret investment opportunities
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Cryptocurrency riches
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“Double your money”
Remember one simple rule: If it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
Legitimate investments always involve risk.
No honest investment guarantees large returns.
Password Theft
Many scammers don't need to trick you into sending money.
They simply want your passwords.
Once they have access to your email account, they can often reset passwords for your bank, shopping, and many other services.
One of the best ways to protect yourself is to use a different password for each important account.
If remembering dozens of passwords sounds impossible, consider using a password manager. It securely stores your passwords so you only have to remember one master password.
Simple Habits That Stop Most Scams
The good news is that avoiding most scams doesn't require technical knowledge.
It requires slowing down.
Before responding to any unexpected email, text, or phone call, ask yourself:
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Was I expecting this?
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Is someone creating urgency?
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Are they asking for personal information or money?
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Can I verify this another way?
If something feels wrong, trust your instincts.
Scammers rely on getting you to react emotionally rather than think calmly.
Why It Matters
The internet has made our lives more convenient than ever, but it has also created new opportunities for criminals.
Fortunately, knowledge is one of the best forms of protection.
The more you understand how today's scams work, the less likely you are to become a victim.
Remember, even technology experts receive scam emails and fraudulent phone calls. The difference is that they recognize the warning signs, stay calm, and simply ignore them.
You can do exactly the same.
A little caution today can save you a great deal of stress, money, and heartache tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if a phone call is really from my bank?
Hang up and call the number printed on the back of your debit or credit card. Never rely on caller ID because scammers can fake it.
Should I answer calls from numbers I don't recognize?
It's perfectly fine to let unknown numbers go to voicemail. Legitimate callers will usually leave a message, and you can decide whether to return the call.
What's the most important rule for avoiding scams?
Slow down. Most scams depend on creating urgency. If someone pressures you to act immediately, take a moment, verify the situation independently, and don't be afraid to hang up or ignore the message.
