1. Pig Butchering Romance Scams
A North Korea-linked gang, operating under the name Huione Group, has stolen billions from Americans through "pig butchering" scams. These involve building fake romantic relationships online and convincing victims to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. The group used subsidiaries like Huione Pay PLC and Huione Crypto to launder illicit funds. New York Post+1Wikipedia+1
2. Facebook 'Tariff Relief' Ads
Scammers have been using paid ads on Facebook and Instagram to promote fake "tariff relief" benefits, including supposed $750 credits and $5,600 payments. These ads aim to collect users' personal data or redirect them to call centers selling services like insurance. The Washington Post
3. AI Voice Cloning Scams
Fraudsters are leveraging AI voice cloning technology to impersonate trusted individuals, such as family members or company executives. Victims receive calls that sound convincingly like someone they know, requesting urgent financial assistance or sensitive information. NationalWorld
4. Fake Parcel Delivery Texts
Scammers send fake delivery notifications via text messages, prompting recipients to click on links to reschedule delivery or pay fees. These links often lead to phishing sites designed to steal personal and financial information. NationalWorld
5. Social Media Marketplace Scams
Fraudsters use platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, or TikTok to advertise and sell products that do not exist. Victims make payments but never receive the goods, and the sellers become unresponsive or disappear. NationalWorld
6. Deepfake Celebrity Endorsement Scams
Scammers create deepfake videos using AI to impersonate celebrities or trusted brands, promoting fraudulent investment opportunities or products. These convincing videos are used to lure victims into scams. First Bank & Trust+3NationalWorld+3www.top10.com+3
7. Tech Support Scams
Scammers pose as employees from major companies like Microsoft or Apple, claiming that a victim's computer is infected with viruses. They convince victims to pay for unnecessary software or grant remote access, leading to potential data theft or malware installation. First Bank & Trust
8. Medicare Card Phishing
Fraudsters pose as Medicare representatives, contacting individuals to "verify" personal information such as Social Security numbers or bank details. This information is then used for identity theft or fraudulent billing. www.top10.com
9. Student Loan Forgiveness Scams
Scammers claim to offer student loan forgiveness programs, requesting personal and bank account information. They may use stolen data to apply for loans in the victim's name or steal funds directly. www.top10.com
10. Employment Scams
Scammers post fake job listings or contact individuals with false job offers, aiming to collect personal information or payments for supposed training and equipment. These scams exploit job seekers' eagerness to find employment. Daily Herald
Protect Yourself:
- Verify Sources: Always confirm the legitimacy of unsolicited communications.
- Be Skeptical: If an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is.
- Use Official Channels: Contact companies or government agencies directly using verified contact information.
- Report Scams: If you encounter a scam, report it to the appropriate authorities to help protect others.
If you need assistance reporting a scam or have concerns about potential fraud, feel free to ask for guidance.
Sources