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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/protect-yourself-from-online-scams-and-attacks-0109ae3f-fe61-4262-8dce-2ee3cd43bac7

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To help our blog readers avoid Christmas scams, below we have listed what FightIdentityTheft.com has cleverly dubbed The Twelve Scams of Christmas. The following are 12 scams to look out for during the Christmas holidays:

Charitable phishing scams:

• beware of e-mails posing as legit charities. They will take your money and credit card info and the charity will never get your money.
• The e-mails asking for money may even have to charity logos, like the Red Cross or Salvation Army
• To assure that your charity of choice gets your donation, go to the source. Go directly to the charity’s website to give a donation
• Also, beware of phone and door solicitors asking for charity donations. If you are unsure if they are legit, tell them that you don’t give money over the phone or at your doorstep and then go directly to the source to give if you so wish.

Fake invoices from delivery services:

• This is sneaky business. You are sent an e-mail with a fake invoice or waybill attached. Then there are a few variations.

“the recipient may be asked to confirm or cancel an order, they may be told that the parcel service was unable to deliver a package due to having an incorrect address, or the recipient may receive a customs notification about an international package.”

• In every case, the e-mail recipient is asked to give credit card info so that the account can be credited or to open the invoice or customs form so the package can be delivered.
• This kind of scam works because people believe they are receiving e-mails from Fed Ex, Ups or US Customs. Instead, they are delivered a Trojan package or some other threat that can lead to identity theft or computer hackers.
• To keep yourself safe, contact the company directly and never give out your credit card information via e-mail.

Social networking friend requests:

• Scammers send authentic-looking friend request e-mails. But they aren’t friends at all unless your friends want to infect your computer with malware.
• So, don’t clink any links, go directly to the social network site to accept new friends.
• You’ll also want to make sure that you have anti-virus software running on your computer.

Holiday e-cards:

• this is a great time of year for scammers to spread malware through e-cards. don’t open them if you don’t recognize the site the card is from.
• the cards often contain malware, pop-ups, and other unwanted advertising.
• Some cards look like they come from legitimate companies like Hallmark, so make sure it is from someone you know.
• Often fake e-mails have misspelled words in the subject line, come from unknown senders or have odd URLs. So, when in doubt, don’t open it.
• If you are sending e-cards, make sure you do so from a reputable site.

E-mail bank scams:

• Tracy Mooney (McAfee’s blogger) had this experience with bank scams.

“I received several emails telling me that my bank account was being tapped by an overseas IP address and that I should click on the link and log into my bank account or they would close my account. The funny thing was that I didn’t have an account with that bank!”

• Moral of the story: Don’t trust e-mails sent from your bank asking you to log into your account through the e-mail. Either go to their site directly or call them if there seems to be an immediate problem.

Job search related scams:

• Unemployment is at an all-time high. Scammers are taking advantage of people’s desperation. Be sure you if you are using the internet to look for work only use well-known sites such as Monster.com, Indeed.com, and GlassDoor.com.

Fraud on auction sites:

• Everyone loves a good deal. But is it too good to be true? If it seems to good to be true it probably is.
• If the price seems really too good, has a very short sale time and the same picture can be found on multiple auction sites it is probably a scam.
• Also, most auction sites have security and safety tips. Here’s Ebay’s.
• Check sellers’ reviews, they are there to help customers.

Password stealing scams:

“According to a holiday shopping study that McAfee had done, 53% of consumers use the same password for multiple websites and online services.”

• Password hacking is easy and sometimes silent
• Make sure you are using firewalls, secure networks, anti-virus, and anti-spyware software.
• Also, make sure that your computer runs updated regularly. (Put in instructions from the previous blog about how to set up updates to run automatically.
• Consider using a password manager to choose a different password for each account. Using the same password for every account is a recipe for disaster.

Holiday media scams:

• McAfee did a study and found that 49% of people did or would open a holiday-themed e-mail. This is a scammer’s dream!
• Don’t open an e-mail unless you know who it is from. Don’t open attachments unless you know who it is from. Just b/c the e-mail says it is some cute or touching holiday form of media doesn’t mean it is safe. Be smart and keep yourself safe this holiday season.
• Red flag raisers: attachments in the form of PowerPoint presentations, vague holiday-related subjects, misspelled words, or odd-looking URLs.
• Examples of headlines scammers use to get you to open their e-mails are things like “happy 2009” “happy 2009 to you “new hope and a new beginning”

Practice safe holiday online shopping:

• Use secure networks when doing online shopping.
• Don’t use your credit card or banking website when using open wifi and unsecured networks. Attackers can set up their own network near hotspots and you may end up connected to it. If you do then the attacker can see everything you do and even direct your computer to sites you may not want to go. 2 points: 1.only access your bank account and use your credit card on a computer that you know is on a secure network, 2. when you surf at a coffee shop or other wifi hotspot, make sure your anti-virus software and firewall are up to date and running.
• If you really must use free or unsecured wifi, use a VPN to encrypt your connection.
• Trust the site that you are making purchases from. When entering your credit card information there should be a closed lock in the address bar and there should be an ‘s’ after ‘https’ in the address bar. The ‘s’ is for secure.

Holiday terms search scams:

• What could be more festive than having a holiday screensaver and desktop? It won’t be so jolly if you end up with a malware-infected computer instead.
• (Not sure the advice to give to prevent this. The McAfee article suggests using their SiteAdvisor, but not sure if we want to recommend that.)

Laptop Theft

• People get desperate during the holidays. The FBI says that 1 in 10 laptops are stolen and only 3% are ever recovered.
• Make sure that you keep your laptop close by at all times. Don’t leave it visible in the car if you have to leave it in the car.
• You should also back up your files. We recommend using Mozy.

Bottom Line

Scammers and criminals are out in full force during the holidays. It is important now, just as always, to use caution when using the internet. If you are uncertain if a website or e-mail is safe then leave it be. It is better to be safe than sorry. Also, make sure that your anti-virus software is up and running and that your computer runs updates automatically.

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