1. AI-Powered Scams
Artificial intelligence (AI) has enabled scammers to create more convincing phishing emails, deepfake videos, and voice impersonations. These AI-generated scams can deceive people into thinking they are interacting with legitimate entities or loved ones. For example, deepfakes can be used to mimic celebrities promoting fake investments or to impersonate friends and family asking for money in emergencies (Experian) (AARP).
2. Student Loan Forgiveness Scams
With ongoing changes in student loan forgiveness policies, scammers are exploiting the situation by creating fake application sites or contacting individuals with phony offers to erase their debt. They trick victims into providing personal information, such as Social Security numbers and bank details, under the guise of processing loan forgiveness. The U.S. Department of Education never charges for these services, making any fee request a red flag (Experian) (www.top10.com).
3. Payment App Scams
Scams involving payment apps like Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App have become increasingly common. Fraudsters often pose as buyers or sellers in online transactions and use stolen credit cards to make overpayments, requesting refunds to their accounts. Additionally, fake fraud alerts are sent via text messages to trick users into sharing personal information or transferring money to scammer-controlled accounts (Aura) (Kiplinger.com).
4. Deepfake and Identity Theft Scams
Generative AI technology is being used to create deepfake content, making it easier for fraudsters to steal identities and create fake personas online. These synthetic identities can then be used to open new accounts, commit fraud, or scam businesses and individuals. The rise of deepfakes has made it harder to discern genuine interactions from fraudulent ones, posing significant risks to both consumers and businesses (Kiplinger.com) (www.top10.com).
5. Charity and Crowdfunding Scams
Fake charity and crowdfunding campaigns are exploiting the goodwill of individuals. Scammers set up fraudulent websites or social media campaigns, posing as legitimate charities or individuals in need. These schemes often tug at the heartstrings, prompting people to donate money or provide personal information, which can then be used for identity theft. Always verify the legitimacy of a charity before donating by using trusted resources like Charity Navigator (Kiplinger.com) (www.top10.com).
Conclusion
Staying informed about the latest scams is crucial in protecting yourself from fraud. Always verify the legitimacy of any offer or request for personal information and be wary of unsolicited communications. For more details and tips on avoiding scams, you can refer to resources from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Experian, and AARP.