Scammers and fraudsters have always been on the hunt for a quick buck, but the technological age has upped the game. With the rise of the internet, online shopping, social media, and remote working, the techniques scammers use are evolving. While you might be protected against a certain type of fraud, other scam attempts can easily fly under the radar. With a variety of creative scammers and ever-changing scams to look out for, those of us who use technology to assist in our daily lives are at a far higher risk.
Since scammers are evolving, the methods you need to protect yourself against their actions also have to evolve. In this post, we’ll take you through the ways technology has upped the game for scammers, common techniques scammers use, and exactly how you can prevent them from getting their hands on your money and data.
How Do Scammers Use Technology?
Understanding how you might be targeted is key to preventing scams. But scammers use technology in some unexpected ways, so it’s always best to be on your guard. Here are some examples of technology that has upped the game for scammers:
Social Media - From Facebook to Instagram, Twitter to dating apps, and even forums, social media has made it so much easier to connect to others. However, this means it’s also much easier for scammers to find and reach out to potential victims. Scammers also know those who use social media regularly or for work are much more likely to engage with messages from those they don’t personally know. In fact, according to legaljobs.io, 91% of those approached by scammers on social media, opened or responded to the initial message. Fifty-three percent ended up losing money as a result of this.
Data Leaks - As well as social media, another way scammers can find sensitive information about you is through data leaks. Chances are, if you’re an internet user, you have quite a few accounts registered with different sites. While this is a necessary part of using the internet, these sites often suffer data leaks. Using software that can harvest information from these datasets, scammers can find your email, phone numbers, and even passwords. This gives them other ways to contact you and more information to trick you with.
Messaging Apps - While phone scams have long since existed, with the help of messaging apps these scams have also evolved. SMS phishing attempts, often called smishing scams, come as a result of scammers finding your phone number. Using sites like WhatsApp that offer end-to-end encryption, it’s much harder to find the identities of those behind these malicious attacks. Scammers may impersonate bank officials, delivery companies, or even close family members. These messages may ask you to click a link where they request your details, or solicit money or passwords from you on the spot.
Technical Support - For many people, technology isn’t as easy to navigate as it is for scammers. By taking advantage of those who are technologically illiterate and more likely to trust someone who knows what they’re doing, scammers will illicit payment for technical support services. This is usually done by impersonating a staff member of a computer company over the phone. However, some technical support scams are more sinister. Using software that can give them remote control of your computer, scammers can steal your information, leaving you susceptible to further attacks.
Malware and Ransomware - While scammers usually trick victims into giving them money, hackers gain access to your accounts or devices through your WiFi or out-of-date software. However, scamming and hacking do overlap, with some hackers using the information they’ve gained through hacks to scam you. Also, some scammers will send phishing emails with attachments that can infect your computer with ransomware after a single click. This ransomware locks you out of your device and demands money, a ransom, to regain access.
How Are Scammers Evolving?
While some scammers will scour data leaks and a few will use hacking techniques, there’s no doubt that technology has made it easier for them. Since scammers made their way online, various tips and tricks have been spread to improve awareness and prevent successful scams. For example, we all know that those spam emails promising billions of dollars by wire transfer are too good to be true. However, as these scams stop working, scammers search for the next hook. The methods they use evolve, and it creates a vicious circle. As preventative measures improve, so do the scammers.
Warning Signs of a Scam
Though scammers use a variety of techniques, there are some common red flags that you should look out for. These include:
- Unsolicited Messages - Messages that come from any sender you don’t know, however intriguing, may be more harmful than they seem. These messages should be left unopened with the sender blocked. If you receive a message from someone you know that seems suspicious, make sure to check their account and double-check through other means.
- Random Links - These low-effort scams are still surprisingly popular. Links in messages or emails from senders you do not recognize can carry harmful malware or phishing for your sensitive information. Make sure to use caution when following links sent to you, and never enter your details on any site sent to you in a message.
- Emotional Appeals - Scammers know you’re more likely to act irrationally if you’re over-emotional. They may try to scare you, anger you, worry you, and stress you out, or they might get you excited over promises of money. Be aware of attempts at emotional manipulation, and if you’re not sure, take a few minutes to breathe or call someone you trust.
- Requests for Money - Any request for money that is made to you through social media, email, SMS, or over the phone should be regarded with suspicion. Scammers often request that you send them money by purchasing gift cards and giving them the codes. This is so you cannot ask your bank to recall the payment.
- Unreal Promises - While many people are aware of lottery scams, investment scams are some of the most prevalent. Scammers solicit large amounts of money and huge returns are promised. As well as investment scams, job scams with the promise of great employment and high pay are common. These can be harder to spot as scammers create believable profiles and false companies. It’s always best to be wary when you’re giving money or information away.
How to Avoid Technologically Advanced Scammers
Now that you know what to look out for, you can better protect yourself against scammers. However, there are still some more simple ways to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of a scammer in the age of technology.
- Always Double-Check - If you’re ever suspicious that you may be the target of a scam, it’s best to double-check the information they’ve given you. For example, many impostor scams can be prevented with a simple search of a company name. You can also call many companies and ask them to check an employee’s name.
- Manage Those Passwords - Regularly changing your passwords is good practice for safety on the internet as it is. However, this action can prevent scammers from accessing your account information. It’s recommended that you change passwords for any site that has your financial information every 3 months. Use a password manager to keep track of all the passwords you’re currently using.
- Use Secure Sites - Before purchasing from online sites or providing them sensitive information, make sure the site has ‘https’ in the URL and a secure lock sign is displayed in the search bar. This means your data cannot be accessed by scammers and your browsing activity is protected.
- Scroll Back to the Start - If you’re trying to prevent scams that use information about you, it may be time to check your social media profile. It’s a good idea to read through your posts, captions, and bios, and check your privacy settings to make sure your information is safe. It’s always best to use a private account if you can.
- VPNs - A VPN is a virtual private network. This tool encrypts traffic when you’re browsing the internet. VPNs are especially useful if you regularly use public WiFi networks, where scammers may have hijacked the connection.
- Update Your Software - Out-of-date software is dangerous because it may include security systems that are not fit to tackle evolving malware and ransomware. Installing updates is important to receive the necessary security patches. As well as updating apps and protection software regularly, you should update your device operating systems as and when new updates are released.
- Don’t Respond - Finally, the most basic and yet successful way to avoid falling victim to a scam is to not give scammers the chance. Any messages, emails, texts or calls you receive that seem suspicious should be ignored. In many cases, it’s worth just sending that message to the trash and blocking the sender.
Conclusion
Scammers are constantly upping their game and technology is helping them do it. From social media to fake companies, there are a variety of ways you may be targeted by scammers. As ways of evading scammers improve, so do the scams, so staying vigilant is key. To avoid falling victim to scams, be on the lookout for warning signs like random messages, suspicious links, and requests to send or receive money. Make sure to protect your devices with software updates, secure your sensitive data, and access the internet safely with VPNs.
Sources
https://www.centralbank.net/personal/security/security-news/seven-tips-to-avoid-online-fraud/
https://legaljobs.io/blog/scam-statistics/
https://besedo.com/knowledge-hub/blog/the-evolution-of-online-scams-moderation-methods/
https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/investments/investment-scams
https://www.doj.state.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/six_signs.pdf
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/common-scams
https://www.ag.state.mn.us/consumer/Publications/ModernTechnology.asp
https://www.usa.gov/online-safety
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