Top Scams to Watch Out for in 2025 and How to Protect Yourself

Scams are evolving faster than ever, fueled by new technologies and global trends. According to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), over $1.03 trillion was lost to scams in 2024, a stark reminder that staying vigilant is critical. Scammers use sophisticated tools like artificial intelligence (AI) to refine their tactics, making their schemes more convincing and harder to detect. Here’s a breakdown of the top scams in 2025 and tips to protect yourself.

1. AI-Powered Scams

AI technology has revolutionized the scam landscape. Scammers leverage tools that generate hyper-realistic text, images, videos, and voice recordings, making their schemes alarmingly believable.

• Phishing and Smishing: AI creates realistic emails and texts that mimic official communications, tricking victims into sharing personal information.
• Deepfake Videos: Fake video recordings promote fraudulent investments or services, while scammers use real-time face-swapping tools to impersonate others.
• Cloned Voices: AI-generated voices mimic loved ones or authority figures to manipulate victims.

Protect yourself: Stay skeptical of unexpected communications, even if they seem authentic. Double-check by contacting the sender through a verified source.

2. Imposter Scams

Scammers often pose as trusted figures, from government agents to family members, to gain access to personal information or money.

2025 Trend:

Shift to Digital Contact: Imposter scams increasingly start via text or email rather than phone calls. Scammers may claim to be a bank or government agency with a fake alert, invoice, or tracking error.

Protect yourself: Verify the legitimacy of messages by contacting the organization directly using their official website or customer service line.

3. Sextortion Scams Targeting Teens

Scammers pretend to be young women to befriend teens online. They share stolen or AI-generated explicit photos to coerce victims into reciprocating, then threaten to expose the images unless paid.

Protect yourself: Educate children and teens about the dangers of online interactions. Encourage open communication and report any incidents to the FBI or CyberTipline.

4. Romance Scams

Scammers use fake profiles on dating apps and social media to build relationships. With the help of AI, they can deepfake video calls or hire models to enhance their deception. Once trust is established, they request money or promote fraudulent investments.

2025 Trend:

“Accidental” Text Messages: Scammers send texts meant to seem like mistakes (e.g., “Sorry, I’m running late”). If you respond, it can lead to a drawn-out scam.

Protect yourself: Be cautious when engaging with strangers online or via text.

5. Phone-Related Scams

Smartphones offer new avenues for scammers:

• Malicious Apps: Fake apps steal personal information or use in-app purchases to commit fraud.
• SIM Swapping: Scammers transfer your phone number to a different SIM card to gain access to your accounts.
• QR Code Scams: Fake QR codes redirect you to malicious websites or trigger unauthorized transactions.

Protect yourself: Use secure, verified apps and avoid scanning unfamiliar QR codes.

6. Cryptocurrency and Investment Scams

With cryptocurrencies surging in popularity, scammers are targeting investors with fraudulent schemes, fake giveaways, and phishing attacks to access crypto wallets.

Protect yourself: Research thoroughly before making any investments. Look for independent reviews and use only well-known platforms.

7. Online Purchase Scams

Scammers lure victims to fake e-commerce sites with enticing prices. In other cases, they commit triangulation fraud, using stolen credit cards to fulfill orders, leaving unsuspecting buyers caught in the middle.

2025 Trend:

Refund Phishing: Fraudulent charges appear on victims’ accounts with contact information tied to the scammer, who then phishes for sensitive details when contacted.

Protect yourself: Stick to reputable retailers and verify website authenticity before making a purchase.

8. Employment Scams

Scammers prey on job seekers, offering too-good-to-be-true opportunities. They may request payments for training or equipment or trick victims into laundering money through “mule” jobs.

Protect yourself: Research employers thoroughly and avoid job offers that require upfront payments.

9. Check Fraud

Theft of mailed checks has increased, with scammers altering check details to withdraw funds.

Protect yourself: Use secure methods like electronic payments instead of mailing checks.

How to Avoid Scams

Protect yourself with these strategies:

• Be Skeptical: Treat unsolicited communications with caution.
• Don’t Click Unknown Links: Verify links independently before opening them.
• Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA): Use MFA on accounts and opt for non-SMS methods when possible.
• Keep Devices Updated: Regular updates ensure you have the latest security measures.
• Verify Before Acting: Contact organizations directly through verified channels before responding to any request.

What to Do If You’re Scammed

If you fall victim to a scam:

1. Report the Scam: File complaints with the FTC, BBB, or local law enforcement.
2. Protect Your Devices: Run antivirus scans to check for malware.
3. Change Passwords: Update passwords and enable stronger security measures.
4. Freeze Your Credit: Add a credit freeze or fraud alert to prevent unauthorized activity.

Staying informed is your best defense against evolving scam tactics. By recognizing the warning signs and adopting preventive measures, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from financial loss and identity theft. For more security tips, visit InterBank’s Fraud Protection Center.