{"id":1889,"date":"2024-02-02T22:01:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-02T22:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fezaa.com\/?p=1889"},"modified":"2025-04-02T22:03:16","modified_gmt":"2025-04-02T22:03:16","slug":"scams-to-watch-out-for-in-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fezaa.com\/?p=1889","title":{"rendered":"Scams to Watch Out for in 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As technology gets more advanced, fraudsters are also getting better at deceiving and stealing. In 2024, scammers have some new tricks up their sleeve, such as deep fake impersonation. That is why fostering a zero-trust mindset can help to keep yourself safe from these scams.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Imagine receiving a voice note from your CEO instructing you to transfer money to a bank account. You follow the instructions without realizing that the voice note is a deep fake. And just like that, you have fallen for a scam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deep fakes make use of AI technologies to create new but fake images, videos, and\/or audio material from existing material, Artificial intelligence (AI) technology makes it easier for fraudsters to create these convincing fake messages from people you know and trust, explains Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4 AFRICA. \u201cIt enables scammers to generate video and audio that is so convincing, many believe it is real.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fraudsters also use AI-generated voice notes or videos to impersonate a family member, such as a grandchild, who claims to be in distress and in need of money. This is called a grandparent scam. \u201cPeople get scammed that way because their emotions are triggered by hearing an authentic sounding voice clip of their loved one and want to help,\u201d comments Collard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another fraudulent application of deep fakes is to impersonate politicians to spread confusion or disinformation. \u201cThis is definitely something to watch out for in 2024 as it\u2019s an election year,\u201d says Collard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Investment scams<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Investment scams can appear as trustworthy financial organizations promising incredible returns. \u201cHowever, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is,\u201d says Collard. She advises being cautious in such situations. Scammers often combine cryptocurrency scams with romance scams as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another scam to be wary of in 2024 involves fake loans that offer low-interest rates but never actually materialize. Instead, victims are required to pay upfront fees or provide their personal information. With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, scammers may tempt many individuals to apply for these loans to make ends meet, be very careful of any offers that sound too good to be true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Romance scams<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By using fake profiles on dating sites or social media, scammers build trust with their victims and then exploit this emotional connection to trick them into sending them money. \u201cEven though family members might repeatedly warn the victim, they often continue with the romantic deception because once on the hook, psychologically it is very difficult for the victim\u2019s brains to admit that they have been conned,\u201d explains Collard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Identity and social media profile theft<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Identity theft involves stealing personal information to commit fraud. Scammers do this via phishing emails or phone calls, as with banking scams. \u201cSocial media profile theft involves hackers hijacking your social media accounts to reach out to your contacts, pretending to be you, spreading malicious software, scams or asking for money,\u201d says Collard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Charity fraud<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a humanitarian crisis, like a flood, charity scams frequently emerge. \u201cThese scams play on your emotions and ask you to give money to a worthy cause, but in reality, they are fake charities,\u201d explains Collard. Red flags to watch out for are unusual payment methods, such as EFT, instead of secure payment platforms. \u201cAlways make sure that charities are registered before you donate and that you interact with the legitimate NGO or charity before transferring any money,\u201d she advises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tech support scams<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Posing as IT technicians, these scammers try to convince you that there\u2019s something wrong with your computer and offer to fix it. They then seize control of your computer and steal your personal information or hack into your bank account. \u201cThese scams prey on people\u2019s fears,\u201d says Collard. \u201cThey throw people into a state of panic in which they\u2019re not thinking logically.\u201d She recommends hanging up right away and directly contacting your IT support center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Puppy scams<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you in the market for a pure-bred puppy? Beware! International crime syndicates operating in South Africa offer purportedly discounted pooches. According to Collard, many individuals have suffered significant financial losses not only for the non-existent dog but also for the transportation expenses. She advises buyers to be wary if they encounter a wide variety of dogs for sale on a website or if they are immediately offered a puppy. \u201cBreeders do not operate like Take a lot. There are usually waiting lists; it takes time for a puppy to become available,\u201d she says. \u201cIf you\u2019re offered a second dog at a 30 percent discount, it\u2019s highly likely you\u2019re being scammed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The general advice for any of the scams listed above is to slow down and take a breath before reacting to anything, particularly if it\u2019s emotionally triggering content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the boundaries between physical and virtual worlds continue to blur, a zero trust mindset encourages people to pause, think, and evaluate the content they are interacting with, thereby empowering them to make conscious and more rational decisions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As technology gets more advanced, fraudsters are also getting better at deceiving and stealing. 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