The new year is upon us, and with the new year come new scams. Fraudsters often use new technologies and upcoming events to trick and scare people. However, their goal is always the same: to get your personal information or money.
Catching fraudsters is challenging because they are always improving their con games. They are also even more believable these days because of the attention to detail that AI affords them.
Scams to watch out for in 2024
The capability of fraudsters to present themselves as credible enterprises has risen in recent years. They may craft emails and websites that appear to originate from trusted banks, companies, charities and healthcare providers. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the latest scams that are unfolding, including:
- The voiceprint scam allows fraudsters to use software to create a duplicate version of your voice after recording it, which they can then use to impersonate you. The scammer then uses your voice to answer security questions, which gives them access to your hard-earned money or insurance. The easiest way to avoid falling victim to this scam is to avoid answering calls from unknown numbers.
- The check cooking scam occurs when criminals take a digital image of a stolen check and alter it with software that is sold commercially. They then use it to withdraw funds from your account. The easiest way to avoid falling prey to check cooking is to use alternative payment methods, such as credit cards.
- Text scams are on the rise mainly because they are simple to execute. Scammers send a text telling you that your payment is overdue or that there has been suspicious activity in your bank account. To protect yourself, don’t share any personal details or click on any links.
If you have been a victim of a scam already this year, you’re not alone. Seek legal guidance to help you recover your lost assets.