State of the Scam 2025: Be Ready for the Latest Scams

New digital technologies make managing money and buying the things you need easier. But the ubiquity of apps, digital wallets, and online shopping also is a thief’s paradise. Consumers lose billions to fraud each year. Scammers and spoofers are becoming smarter at hacking into company systems, stealing sensitive data, and using it to defraud innocent victims. In this article from our friends at Ohio Credit Union League, you’ll learn how to recognize the latest scams and protect yourself in 2025.

AI-powered fraud

Criminals are now launching phone and email campaigns using artificial intelligence to clone a person’s voice. Watch for voicemail messages from people you know or realistic-looking emails from companies you do business with.

Don’t respond to urgent money requests from someone you know, even if they say they are facing an emergency. Protect yourself by calling the person or others who know them directly to verify if the situation could be real. As AI tools become more convincing they are likely to be at the forefront of the latest scams for years to come.

The Latest Scams Masked as Investment “Opportunities”

As cryptocurrency gains in popularity, thieves are luring people online and through social media with get-rich investment schemes. This is just one of the latest scams that particularly target older adults.
Scammers build relationships through social media, then once someone trusts them, they will offer investment advice and an opportunity. They may ask you to wire money directly to their bank account or transfer it through a website that looks like a legitimate investment company. Once you’ve wired the money, it’s hard to get it back, as they may charge high fees to withdraw the funds. The IRS reports cryptocurrency scams can add up to major losses for those who fall for the bait.

If you want to invest, call a registered financial advisor. Many credit unions also monitor members’ accounts for potential fraud. If your financial institution raises a red flag when you try to transfer a large sum of money, pause and listen to their advice. They are looking out for your best interests.

Tax Season Scams

If you receive an email or call from the IRS demanding payment for taxes, be wary. Some scammers also send fake tax refund offers so you will provide personal information. Avoid these scams by hiring a reputable tax preparer to file your returns. Mail your returns or submit them over a secure internet connection only.

The Latest Employment Scams

The Better Business Bureau says employment scams are on the rise. These could include fake online job ads and emails from recruiters. Some thieves even conduct false interviews and make an offer so you will fill out paperwork with your social security number and bank account for direct deposit. Other scams include asking potential employees to pay for training or shipping for equipment. These latest scams expand on an old classic in which the scammer asks interviewers to do a day of work as a “trial run” to so how they would do in a theoretical position.

Just because a job ad appears on a local website or Linked In, does not make it legitimate. If you are contacted by a recruiter, visit the company website to view the job posting there. Beware of jobs promising an opportunity to make a lot of money working from home. Companies also will not ask for your personal information, such as your social security number or financial information, during the application process. And never pay money to accept a position.

Online Shopping

Online shopping carries its own risks and rewards. Stay safe by only shopping on secure websites. Look for a secure URL starting with “https” and a padlock icon in the address bar. Only use credit cards because they have better built-in fraud protections but consider shopping on sites that offer third-party payment options such as PayPal and Apple Pay where your credit card information is not shared with the retailer.

If you receive an email with a special discount offer, don’t click on any links. Open a new browser, and search for the discount on the retailer’s website.
It’s important to stay vigilant to reduce your risk of fraud. If you think you’ve been a victim of a scam, report it immediately and follow these steps. Or contact your local credit union for advice on how to reduce risk in the future.

Stay Safe Out There

The FFCCU blog regularly posts about the latest scams and other topics to keep your self-defense senses sharp. Check back regularly to see what new methods criminals are developing.

Posted In: Guest Blog, Uncategorized