Scammers must commit scams.
Whether it’s scam texting, fake ads, unsolicited social media messages, or just old phishing emails, the way cybercriminals use to hook targets is even more refined and believable.
That’s the result Google released a report on Wednesday Advances the Safety Engineering Center’s first fraud summit. The study pointed to recent Federal Trade Commission data showing reported losses of fraud Last year it rose 25% to $12.5 billion..
Experts say it comes from new technologies, including those powered by artificial intelligence that helps cybercriminals increase both the credibility and volume of fraud. Worse, Google says many people still don’t know what the red flag of scam is.
“Criminals are more effective and act without fear of punishment when people are not informed about fraud or fraud tactics,” Google said in the report.
Need help finding online scams? Check out five trending online scams outlined by Google researchers and some tips on how to avoid them.
Customer Support Scam
Scammers impersonate legal companies like high-tech support providers, just like they trick people into handing over sensitive information. They exploit the target by leveraging concerns about IT issues. It also leverages web vulnerabilities to display fake high-tech support phone numbers on targets.
How to stay safe: Use the contact information included in your device or high-tech support agreement. Unsolicited messages or pop-ups that provide help must be ignored, and remote access to the device must be granted only to legitimate providers. Double check your tech support numbers to make sure it’s legal before making a call.
Fraud
Scammers use fake online ads to spread malware. Google says it frequently offers “free” or “cracked” versions of popular software. What’s interesting now, according to Google researchers, is that scammers are increasingly targeting more sophisticated users, including people with valuable online assets such as Crypto Wallets and social media influencers.
Google says that in some cases Malvertising could be the first step in a bigger attack. Attackers will convince targets that the software is safe and urge them to turn off security alerts and antivirus protections to allow software access to the device.
How to stay safe: I am extremely skeptical of any ads that download software from sites that I know are legitimate and offer free versions of licensed software. Security warnings from your browser or antivirus software should not be ignored or disabled.
Fake travel website
Holiday scams are surged ahead of the summer travel season. Scammers use fake websites to invite you to book a vacation, promising an incredible experience. They often pretend to be popular hotel chains or legitimate travel agents.
How to stay safe: Consumers must be very skeptical of ultra-low prices or large discounts. Use secure payments with buyer protection and avoid wire transfers. Bookings must be confirmed directly with the hotel or airline. And don’t forget to ask about hidden fees.
Package Tracking Scam
These include messages that appear to be from legitimate delivery companies or online retailers. They often don’t charge the actual company to trick the target and pay a fake extra fee.
What’s interesting about these scams is that the cybercriminals behind them can use phishing software kits to mimic legal company websites almost instantly, increasing both refinement and scale.
How to stay safe: Be skeptical of unexpected delivery texts that encourage you to act immediately. Do not click on the short link. If you are expecting a package, please visit the delivery company’s website directly to check the status.
Toll road fraud
The rise of cashless toll systems has resulted in highways filled with fake text messages claiming people have unpaid tolls. The wish is for the driver to hand over your credit card number or other personal information.
How to stay safe: This is another case where you say your message needs to act immediately, but you need to think about it before clicking. If you have recently used toll roads, check directly with the official toll company. Do not click on unknown phone numbers or email links.
