Shownotes Transcript
Hey there, folks It's Scotty here, and I'm about to dive into the wild world of scams and cyber threats that have been making headlines lately. Buckle up, because we're going to cover some serious ground.First off, let's talk about the fastest-growing scams of 2024. 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 getting clever, using AI to mimic voices and trick people into handing over sensitive info. So, be cautious with those unexpected delivery texts and always verify the sender.Now, let's talk about some recent arrests. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New England special agents arrested two individuals, Jirui Liu and Kush J. Patel, for their involvement in online scams targeting Rhode Island seniors[2]. These scammers were using elaborate schemes to defraud victims of thousands of dollars. One victim even lost nearly $200,000. It's a stark reminder to always be vigilant and never trust unsolicited calls or messages.Speaking of unsolicited calls, there's a new scam making the rounds where scammers pose as Amazon representatives, claiming there's a suspicious purchase on your account[3]. They'll try to convince you to drain your bank or retirement accounts to "resolve" the issue. Don't fall for it If you're concerned about a suspicious purchase, log in to your Amazon account directly and don't trust any numbers or links provided by the scammer.The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has also reported a sharp spike in online job scams, particularly task scams that require consumers to repeat sets of tasks[4]. These scams have quadrupled in just the first half of 2024, with reported losses exceeding $220 million. Be cautious of any job opportunities that seem too good to be true or require you to perform repetitive tasks.Lastly, INTERPOL has arrested eight individuals in West Africa linked to phishing scams and romance fraud[5]. These scammers were using QR codes to direct victims to fraudulent websites and impersonating customer service agents to further deceive them. It's a reminder to always be cautious when clicking on links or providing personal info online.So, there you have it – a rundown of the latest scams and cyber threats. Stay safe out there, folks, and always keep your wits about you. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Happy New Year, and let's make 2025 a scam-free year