October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time to pause, learn about the latest scams, and ensure our personal and financial information remains as secure as possible.

Back in 2023, we posted an article titled "Don't Fall Prey to Scary Scams" to help our clients and community stay informed about common fraud tactics. Two years later, many of those scams haven't gone away. In fact, they've only gotten more sophisticated.

Scammers are using new tools, including artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and advanced social engineering, to make their tricks harder to spot. But the good news is: the more we know, the better we can protect ourselves.

In this updated post, we'll revisit some of the scams you might remember, highlight the new and fast-growing threats in 2025, and share practical tips to keep your finances and personal data safe.

Scams That Haven't Gone Away (But Have Evolved)

We warned about bank impersonation, fake shipping notifications, and phony job offers. Those scams are still making the rounds today, but with new twists:

• Bank Impersonations: You receive a phone call or text from your bank warning you of an issue, prompting you to move your money or asking for a one-time passcode to log in to your account. Now, scammers can use an AI voice to make calls and have the caller ID show your bank's phone number, making these scams seem eerily real. There are even multi-party scams, where the first scammer directs you to an accomplice posing as a bank employee.
• Package Delivery: A text arrives about a delivery attempt, requiring you to click on the link to verify your information or reschedule a delivery. Those texts can now often include a QR code that leads to a phishing site designed to steal your login or payment information.
• Employment Opportunities: A fake job posting leads to a fake employer asking you to complete a W-4 form for payroll, giving them everything they need to steal your identity. Or a scammer dupes you into purchasing special equipment you'll need for a job that doesn't exist. These schemes now often involve attractive, easy-money gig jobs like writing reviews or rating apps, designed to trick you into giving personal information or "invest" to keep earning, and then disappearing.

These scams thrive because they exploit trust, urgency, or fear. And they're effective because they're becoming increasingly convincing.

New and Evolving Scams to Watch

Scammers are constantly working on ways to improve their tactics. Here are some of the current top fraud trends:

1. AI Voice Cloning and Deepfake Scams

Criminals are using AI to mimic the voices of loved ones to ask for urgent money transfers. If someone calls sounding like a family member in trouble, hang up and call them back on a known number.

2. Romance and Investment Scams

This devastating scam builds trust over time, often through dating apps or social media, then lures victims into sending money or fake crypto or investment opportunities. Losses can be massive, and the emotional damage just as serious.

3. QR Code Phishing

Fake QR codes are popping up on signs, invoices, or texts. Scanning them can lead to look-alike websites designed to capture your login credentials or credit card info.

4. Government & Law Enforcement Impersonation

"Digital arrest" scams are on the rise. Scammers pretend to be law enforcement or government officials, claiming you owe fines or are in legal trouble and demanding immediate payment.

5. "Accidental" Text Messages

Text messages that appear genuinely accidental, like "Sorry, I'm running late, I'll be there in 15 minutes," are meant to elicit a response indicating the sender has the wrong number. These texts are often the first step in a romance or employment scam.

A "Classic" Making a Comeback

The "Can you hear me?" scam has been around for several years. Someone calls with a presumably bad connection and asks if you can hear them. You say "yes," and then the person hangs up. The theory is that scammers are recording your "yes" response to fraudulently authorize something. The Better Business Bureau warns that this has evolved to include fake calls about banking, vacation packages, warranties, and Medicare cards. The recommendation is to simply hang up and not engage.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

A few simple habits can go a long way toward keeping you safe:

• Verify first. If someone calls or texts urgently, hang up and call back using a trusted number. Don't rely on caller ID.
• Don't scan unknown QR codes. Treat them like links: with caution.
• Use strong security practices. Turn on two-factor authentication and keep your devices updated.
• Pause before paying. If anyone pressures you to wire funds or use cryptocurrency quickly, it's almost certainly a scam.
• Talk openly. Scammers count on silence and isolation. Discuss suspicious messages with a friend, family member, or trusted advisor.
• Educate vulnerable loved ones. Seniors, teens, and busy professionals are all common targets.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month isn't about scaring people; it's about empowering them. By staying informed, double-checking before you click or transfer, and sharing what you know, you're already ahead of most scammers.

This October, take a few minutes to review your online safety habits. A small step today can prevent a big problem tomorrow.

^{Sources:
https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/the-latest-scams-you-need-to-aware-of/ 
https://www.usbank.com/financialiq/manage-your-household/protect-your-assets/new-scams-targeting-your-money.html
https://eu.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/04/11/can-you-hear-me-now-scam/73277078007/}