Online scams cost Americans billions of dollars every year. Get your 2025 off to a safe, secure start by staying scam-savvy. Take some time this Fraud Friday to read about the top scams to watch for in 2025.
1. Job Offer Scams
What it is: Scammers target job seekers with fake offers, often asking for personal information or upfront payments for “training” or “equipment.”
Watch out for:
- Unsolicited job offers for positions you didn’t apply for.
- Requests for personal details or money.
Prevent it: Apply through reputable platforms and research employers thoroughly.
2. Lottery Scams
What it is: Fraudsters claim you’ve won a prize from a lottery, but then require payment for “fees” or “taxes.”
Watch out for:
- Claims that you’ve won a lottery you never entered.
- Pressure to pay for the prize or fees upfront.
Prevention tip: Ignore any messages about “winning” something unless you’ve entered a contest for it.
3. Online Dating Scams
What it is: Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites and social media in order to manipulate victims into sending money.
Watch out for:
- Requests for money under emotional pretenses.
- Excuses to avoid meeting in person.
Prevention tip: Verify profiles and don’t send money to online connections.
4. Social Media Scams
What it is: Fraudsters use fake profiles to promote scams, sell counterfeit goods, or request money via social media.
Watch out for:
- Unverified profiles selling something that seems too good to be true.
- Unsolicited messages with suspicious links.
Prevent it: Independently verify the contact’s identity before engaging with them.
5. Phishing Scams
What it is: Scammers impersonate legitimate organizations in order to steal personal data through malicious links.
Watch out for:
- Poorly written messages with urgent requests.
- Links that lead to suspicious websites.
Prevent it: Hover over links to check URLs and contact companies directly to verify communications.
6. Shopping Scams
What it is: Scammers mimic well known retailers using fraudulent websites to steal payment information.
Watch out for:
- Deals that are too good to be true.
- Missing “https” in the website’s URL.
Prevent it: Shop directly on trusted platforms and use secure payment methods that provide fraud protective services.
Protect Yourself Further
Knowing about that these six scams is a great first step to protecting yourself from them in the new year, but you can become even more secured by taking a few extra precautions:
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds layers of protection to accounts.
- Don’t Respond to Scams: Never reply or click on anything in a suspicious message.
- Report Scams: File complaints with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Staying informed is your best defense. By recognizing the warning signs of scams and taking preventive measures, you can outsmart scammers and protect yourself throughout 2025.