Top 10 Scams You Need to be Aware of in 2024
Every day we’re hearing about scams. People are getting tricked into giving over access to their computers, smartphones, bank accounts, and other online applications.
Additionally we have cases of romance scams, job scams, tech support scams, investment scams, and more.
Given the right circumstances, any one of us can be tricked. Even me.
– Anne Genge
Certified Information Privacy & Cybersecurity Professional
Here’s a list of some of the most common scams affecting people today, along with a brief overview of how they work:
- Phishing Scams
- How it works: Fraudulent emails or text messages appear to come from reputable sources like banks, government agencies, or service providers. These messages trick individuals into clicking on malicious links or providing personal information like passwords and credit card numbers.
- Tech Support Scams
- How it works: Scammers call or pop up alerts on your computer claiming to be from a legitimate tech company (like Microsoft or Apple). They tell you that your computer is infected and offer to “fix” it for a fee or ask for remote access to steal personal information.
- Online Shopping Scams
- How it works: Fraudulent websites or fake ads sell products that either don’t exist or are of low quality. After making a purchase, victims either receive nothing or something far inferior to what was advertised. These scams often thrive on social media and fake e-commerce platforms.
- Investment Scams
- How it works: Scammers promise high returns on investments with little to no risk, often in cryptocurrency or stocks. Victims invest money only to realize that the investment was a fraud, losing their funds.
- Romance Scams
- How it works: Scammers create fake profiles on dating websites or social media to form romantic relationships with victims. After gaining trust, they ask for money, often claiming financial hardship, medical emergencies, or needing help with travel expenses.
- Lottery or Prize Scams
- How it works: Victims receive a message claiming they’ve won a lottery or prize but must pay a fee upfront or provide personal information to claim it. Once they pay, the scammer disappears, and the “prize” never arrives.
- Charity Scams
- How it works: Scammers pose as charitable organizations, particularly after natural disasters or crises. They solicit donations through emails, phone calls, or fake websites, but the funds never reach those in need.
- Impersonation Scams (Government or tax scams)
- How it works: Scammers impersonate government agencies like the IRS, CRA, or Social Security Administration, claiming you owe money or are entitled to a refund. Victims are pressured to make payments immediately, often through wire transfers or gift cards.
- Fake Job Scams
- How it works: Scammers post fake job openings to steal personal information or trick victims into paying upfront for “training” or job-related costs. Sometimes, scammers also ask for bank details, claiming they need it for direct deposit.
- Friend/Family Emergency Scams
- How it works: Scammers contact victims pretending to be a family member or friend in distress (e.g., stuck abroad, in jail, or in a hospital). They request money urgently, often asking for wire transfers or gift cards to resolve their “emergency.”
Training is Quick, Affordable, and It Works
It’s hard to keep up with online and cyber scammers. That’s why we created the 33-minute Cyber Security Essentials for Dental Teams course. Your team will quickly learn about:
- Phishing Attacks: How to recognize and avoid deceptive emails and links that lead to breaches.
- Social Engineering: Understanding manipulation tactics that trick staff into giving away sensitive information.
- Ransomware: What it is, how it works, and how to prevent it from taking down your practice.
- Data Theft Prevention: Steps to secure patient data and prevent unauthorized access.
- Password Best Practices: How to create and manage strong passwords to protect against attacks.
Keeping patient data safe is not just about compliance; it’s about protecting your reputation and ensuring your practice can operate without interruptions. Don’t wait until it’s too late—invest 33 minutes now and empower your team to defend your practice. Sign up today and take the first step in safeguarding your dental practice against cyber threats.