The world is full of different types of scams designed to fool you into giving away sensitive information. With the help of AI, it is becoming even more difficult to identify scams in 2024. Many cybercriminals can now use proper grammar without telltale mistakes and use AI voices to make their scams convincing.

The best way to avoid scams is to be aware of the different types. In this article, we’ll explain how cybercriminals will use different tactics to try to steal your information. Everything from phishing to vishing, this is your guide to recognizing scams to protect you from falling victim to cybercrime.

Different Types of Scams

  • Debt Scams

False debt scams can arrive by mail and by phone call. If you receive notice of debt that you weren’t aware of, always check with your bank first. While it might be a scammer trying to steal your identity, it’s also possible your identity may already be stolen. Your bank will be able to tell you if your identity has been compromised or if the notice you received is legitimate.

  • Fraudulent Technical Support Scams

If you use a search engine such as Google to look for tech support, sometimes a fraudulent phone number will appear at the top of the search results. This happens because Google allows anyone to pay to be at the top of the search results. If you call the phone number and it is a fraudulent number, the scammer will ask to remote into your computer to “fix it” while they’re stealing your information and gaining unprotected access to your system. Always go directly to the website of the company you’re searching for instead of clicking the top search result.

  • Contest Scams

If you ever come across a popup, email, or receive a phone call announcing, “You’re a winner!”, chances are you are not. Unless you have entered a contest with a reliable entity, you haven’t been selected to win, you have been chosen as a victim. Scams like this will offer a prize to try and get you to give up sensitive information and your credit card numbers.

  • IRS or Government Entity Scams

This scam became increasingly popular during the pandemic while stimulus checks were being released. These calls can seem very real and often they come with threats of jail time if you do not comply. The moment they begin asking for private information, know that it is a scam call and hang up. Know that if it was a government entity, they would already have that information.

  • Fake Employment Scams

Jobs that seem too good to be true might just be that. They often require minimal experience, pay well, and will usually ask for payment for training upfront. Often, they will overpay you to get their hands on a cashier’s check or money wire with your information on it. Furthermore, if you deposit a forged check, you could be held accountable for paying the amount deposited back.

  • Arrest Warrant Scams

This scam uses panic to frighten people into paying money to avoid jail time. A caller will often impersonate the sheriff’s department and tell the victim there is a warrant for their arrest. The scammer will tell the victim if they pay their fine over the phone, they can avoid being taken in by force. This is not how arrest warrants work and no one from the sheriff’s department will ever ask for payment or personal information over the phone.

To learn about additional popular scams, visit the Texas Attorney General’s website here.

What Do You Do if You Have Been Scammed

It can happen to anyone, so don’t feel like you’re alone. The next step is to contact your bank and let them know you have been a victim of a scam. They will tell you what they can do to help and sometimes even get your money back.

Next, report the scam to the Texas Attorney General here and the Federal Trade Commission here. By doing this, you can help stop scammers.

The Bottom Line

The best thing you can do to avoid scams is to never give out personal information to an unknown entity and never send money to anyone who has suspiciously contacted you. The intention is always to get your information or your money. If you can identify what they’re after, you will know when it’s a scam.

For more information on phishing protection to avoid the majority of scammers, contact us at Computek. We specialize in comprehensive cybersecurity to protect your business from scammers of all kinds. Book an appointment online here or give us a call at 512-869-1155.