The Latest Scams That Are Catching People Off Guard

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Scammers and cybercriminals always have their finger on the pulse of technology, looking for new opportunities to exploit. With AI exploding across the internet in recent months and years, it’s yet another area of technology that’s a target for scammers. This article breaks down four of the latest trending scams, explaining how they work, and offering actionable tips to help you avoid digital deception.

1. AI-driven deception
2. Fake authority tricks
3. Online blackmail targeting teens
4. Emotional scams in online dating

1. AI-driven deception

What’s happening?

With the advent of so many AI products and platforms, and rapidly advancing technology, scammers are leveraging these tools to create sophisticated and convincing scams. AI-powered deepfake technology enables scammers to generate realistic voices and videos that emulate real people, making impersonation scams better than ever.

With AI now having the power to adapt language patterns that closely resemble trusted contacts, phishing emails are even more convincing than ever before. As these tactics become more advanced, distinguishing between genuine and deceptive emails is significantly harder.

Real-world example

Here’s a good example of how AI can make this work. You receive a frantic phone call from a loved one. Their voice is trembling as they plead for financial help. The caller sounds exactly like your family member but in reality, it’s not them. Scammers are using AI-driven voice cloning technology to replicate the voice of your loved one, making the call sound convincing.

You believe your loved one is in danger or great distress, so you send money without hesitation. Along with sounding credible, these scams work because they prey on urgency and emotions, leaving little time for scepticism.

Stay safe tip

If anything is off about an urgent call for help, verify it through another method. Call the person back, start a video call, or check in on them personally. Never send money without first confirming their identity.

2. Fake authority tricks

What’s happening?

Nowadays, fraudsters pose as government officials, banks, and other trusted service providers to manipulate victims into making payments or surrendering sensitive information. They use official-looking emails, spoofed phone numbers, and high-pressure tactics to create a sense of urgency. Some claims they make are frozen bank accounts, unpaid taxes, or service disruptions. Many victims comply out of fear, not seeing the con until it’s too late.

Real-world example

This one is common. You receive a text message from your “bank”, warning you that they have frozen your account due to suspicious activity. The fake message insists you act immediately by clicking a link to verify your credentials or to log in to your account. In a panic, you click the link and it takes you to a fake website designed to hijack your login credentials. By the time you know it’s a scam, the thieves may have already accessed your account.

Stay safe tip

Before responding to anything like this, always verify messages by contacting the organisation or institution directly through its official website, email, or customer service number. Never click on links or provide personal information without verification.

3. Online blackmail targeting teens

What’s happening?

This one is particularly concerning. Scammers pretend to be friends or romantic interests, manipulating teenagers into sharing private or compromising images. Now armed with the controversial content, they threaten to release it unless the victim pays a ransom. Known as “sextortion”, it preys on fear and embarrassment, often leaving young victims feeling trapped and unsure of where to turn for help.

Real-world example

Here’s an example to illustrate how this works. A teenager gets a message from someone they believe is a new online friend or crush. They chat for a bit, then the scammer convinces them to share private photos. Once they share the pics, the threats roll in.

The con artist demands money, warning the victim that if they don’t pay they will share the images with family and friends, and post them online. Desperate and fearful, the teen complies, only to face even more demands.

Stay safe tip

It’s vital to have open and honest conversations with teens about staying safe online. Encourage them to think before sharing anything private and to immediately seek help if they ever feel pressured or threatened.

4. Emotional scams in online dating

What’s happening?

In this scam, the fraudster creates fake profiles on dating apps and social media platforms to form emotional connections with victims. Over time, they gain the victim’s trust by sharing elaborate stories of hardship or urgent financial needs. Once a victim becomes emotionally invested, the scammer pressures them into sending money, erroneously believing they are helping someone they care about or even love. These scams can go on for months before the truth comes out.

Real-world example

Following weeks of emotional bonding and deep conversations, the online love interest claims to be in some sort of trouble, such as being stranded overseas, facing a medical crisis, or dealing with a sudden financial problem.

They ask for money and promise to pay it back ASAP. The victim wants to help their love interest, so they send money, only to discover later on that the entire relationship was a sham and a con.

Stay safe tip

Always be cautious about online connections who avoid real-life meetings or video calls. It’s a red flag if someone you barely know or haven’t met in person asks for money. Trust doesn’t come with a price tag attached.