Scams are nothing new. Fraud existed as long as it was human greed. What changes are the tools?
Scammers thrive by using vulnerable and unknown users, and the technology and trends that govern the moment are adapted to everything. In 2025, it means AI, cryptocurrency and stolen personal data are weapons of choice.
And, as always, their target's obligations, fears and hopes provide an opening. Today, obligations often mean following instructions from bosses and colleagues that scammers can impersonate. The fear is that your loved ones are at risk, who can even impersonate them. And the hope is that investment schemes and job opportunities often pay off.
AI-powered scams and deepfakes
Artificial intelligence is no longer a niche. It's cheap, easy to access and effective. While companies use AI for advertising and customer support, scammers use the same tools to mimic reality with disturbing accuracy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qyv4p4ynek
Criminals use AI-generated audio or video, impersonating CEOs, managers and even suffering families. Employees are tricked into transferring money or leaking sensitive data. Over 105,000 such deepfalk attacks were recorded in the US in 2024, costing more than US$200 million in the first quarter of 2025 alone. Victims often cannot distinguish synthetic voices or faces from actual voices.
Scammers are also using emotional manipulation. Scammers make calls and send compelling AI writing texts pretending to be suffering relatives and friends. Elderly victims, especially those who fall into prey when they believe that their grandchildren and other families are in urgent problems. The Federal Trade Commission outlined how fraudsters use fake emergency to poss as relatives.
Cryptocurrency fraud
Cryptocurrency continues to be the west of the finances. It's quick, unregulated and ripe for exploitation.
Pump and dump scammers artificially inflate cryptocurrency prices through social media hype, luring investors with the promise of a massive return (pump), then leaving the victim with a worthless token.
Pig slaughter is a hybrid of romance and code fraud. Scammers build trust over weeks or months before convincing victims to invest in fake crypto platforms. Once the scammers extract enough money from the victim, they disappear.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipbdzk1c-k8
Scammers also use cryptocurrencies as a way to extract money from people who are spoofing scams and other scams. For example, a scammer will direct the victim to a Bitcoin ATM, deposit a large amount of cash, and convert it into an untrackable cryptocurrency as a payment for a fictitious fine.
Fishing, Smithing, Technical Support, Work
Old scams don't die. They evolve.
Fishing and smishing have been around for years. Victims are fooled to click on email or text messages links, leading to malware downloads, qualification theft, or ransomware attacks. AI made these lures creepy and realistic, mimicking corporate tones, grammar and even video content.
Technical support scams often start with a pop-up on a computer screen warning you of viruses and identity theft, and encourage users to call their numbers. Sometimes they start with a direct cold call to the victim. When the victim calls for fake technical support, the scammer will persuade the victim to grant remote access to the computer that he believes has compromised. Once inside, the scammer installs malware, steals data, requests payment, and all three.
Fake websites and listings are the current type of scam. Fraudulent sites that impersonate universities and ticket sellers will trick victims into making fake entry, concerts or paying for items.
One example is when the “Southeast Michigan University” website came online and began providing details about admission. There is no such university. Eastern Michigan University has filed a complaint that a university in southeastern Michigan has copied its website and scams unsuspecting victims.
The rise of remote and gig work has paved a new path to fraud.
Victims are offered fake jobs with high prices and flexible time promises. In reality, scammers extract sensitive personal data such as “placement fees” or Social Security numbers and bank details. These will later be used to stolen identity theft.
How to protect yourself
The technology has changed, but the basic principles remain the same. Please do not enter your personal information only if you have clicked suspicious links from unknown senders, downloaded attachments, or confirmed that the website is legal. Please avoid using third-party apps or links. A legitimate business has its own app or actual website.
Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. Provides security against stolen passwords. Update the software to patch security holes. Most software allows for automatic updates or warnings about patching.
Remember that legitimate businesses never ask for personal information or transfers. Such a request is the red flag.
Relationships are difficult issues. In California, we provide details on how people can avoid being victims of pig slaughter.
Technology is supercharged by traditional scams. AI effectively becomes indistinguishable from reality, Crypto enables anonymous theft, and the age of remote work expands the opportunity to deceive people. Constant: Scammers prey on trust, urgency, and ignorance. Consciousness and skepticism are your best defense.
