Outsmart the Scammers: Latest Cyber Threats and Fraud Schemes to Watch Out For in 2024
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Hey there, folks, it's Scotty here, your go-to expert on all things scams, cyber, and hacking. Let's dive right into the latest on scams that have been making headlines.You know, just a few days ago, I was reading about the fastest-growing scams of 2024, and let me tell you, they're getting more sophisticated by the minute. According to NatWest, fake parcel delivery texts, social media marketplace scams, and AI-powered voice cloning scams are on the rise[1]. These scammers are using AI to clone voices, making it sound like it's your bank or a delivery service calling you. It's spooky, right?But here's the thing, law enforcement is on it. Just recently, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested two individuals, Jirui Liu and Kush J. Patel, for their involvement in elder fraud schemes[2]. These scammers were targeting seniors, convincing them to hand over cash and gold bars. It's heartbreaking, but it's a reminder that we need to stay vigilant.And then there's the Amazon scam. You know, the one where you get a call or text about a suspicious purchase on your Amazon account? Yeah, that's not Amazon calling you; it's a scammer[3]. They're trying to get your personal info and debit card details. Don't fall for it, folks.But it's not just Amazon scams. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) just released data showing a sharp spike in online job scams, particularly task scams[4]. These scammers are convincing people to repeat sets of tasks, and it's costing consumers millions. In fact, reported losses to job scams have tripled since 2020.And just last week, Rio Arriba deputies arrested a suspected scammer, Mehndra Darbar, who was targeting elderly individuals in New Mexico[5]. This guy was posing as a U.S. marshal, convincing people to hand over cash. It's a reminder that law enforcement will never call you for money.So, what can you do to avoid these scams? First, be cautious of any unsolicited calls or texts. Don't give out your personal info or debit card details. And if someone claims to be from a government agency or a company, verify their identity. Remember, law enforcement will never call you for money.Stay safe out there, folks. It's a wild world, but with a little bit of knowledge, we can outsmart these scammers. That's all for now. Stay tech-savvy, and I'll catch you on the flip side.