"Unmasking the Fastest-Growing Scams of 2024: Protect Yourself from Fake Deliveries, Social Media Cons, and AI Voice Cloning"
02:44 Share

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 guess what? Fake parcel delivery texts, social media marketplace scams, and AI-powered voice cloning scams are at the top of the list[1]. These scammers are getting more sophisticated by the day. For instance, AI voice cloning is being used to mimic trusted individuals, making it easier for scammers to trick victims into sharing confidential information or sending money.But here's the thing: law enforcement is catching up. Take the case of Jirui Liu and Kush J. Patel, who were arrested by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for their involvement in elder fraud schemes[2]. These guys were part of a scam that defrauded a Rhode Islander of nearly $200,000. The scammers even went as far as sending someone to the victim's home to collect cash and gold bars. Talk about brazen.And then there's the Amazon scam. You know, the one where scammers call or text you about a suspicious purchase on your Amazon account[3]? It's a classic. They'll tell you that your identity has been compromised and that you need to freeze your assets. Don't fall for it. If you're worried about a suspicious purchase, log in through the Amazon website or app. Don't trust the number in your caller ID.But it's not just Amazon. Government account takeover scams are also on the rise[4]. Scammers are sending fake IRS emails claiming that you're eligible for a refund, complete with phishing links. And let's not forget about QR code scams. These scammers are using QR codes to initiate phishing attacks, or quishing. It's a clever tactic, but don't be fooled.And just recently, a New York man named Wang Fangzheng was arrested for his involvement in a scam that defrauded a victim in Hagerstown, MD[5]. The scammers even went as far as arranging a large cash exchange, but luckily, the Washington County Sheriff's Office was one step ahead.So, what can you do to avoid these scams? First, be cautious of unsolicited calls or texts. If someone claims to be from a government agency or a company, don't trust them unless you can verify their identity. Second, never give out confidential information or send money to someone you don't know. And third, keep an eye out for those QR codes. They might seem harmless, but they can be a scammer's best friend.Stay safe out there, folks. And remember, if it sounds too good (or bad) to be true, it probably is.