Sneaky scammer tactics you need to know about

Scammers are getting smarter, using new tricks to steal money and personal information. These scammer tactics can be so convincing that even savvy internet users can fall for them. In this post, we’ll uncover common scams, show you how they work, and give you tips to stay safer.

Impersonating legitimate organizations

Scammers pretend to be from trusted institutions—banks, the IRS, Amazon, or even your utility company. They use official-looking emails, fake phone numbers, and real company logos to appear legitimate.

Example: You receive a fake email from what looks like your credit card company, warning about “suspicious activity” and urging you to click a link to secure your account.

Creating a sense of urgency

Scammers pressure you to act quickly before you can think clearly. They claim an urgent issue—like an account suspension or a limited-time offer—needs immediate action.

Example: A scammer posing as your electric company threatens to cut off your power unless you pay a past-due bill immediately via an untraceable payment method.

Intimidating victims with threats or legal action

Fear is a powerful tool. Scammers pretend to be law enforcement, government officials, or debt collectors, threatening legal action, arrest, or even deportation if you don’t comply.

Example: You receive a call from someone claiming to be the IRS, saying you owe back taxes and will be arrested if you don’t pay immediately.

Creating fear of missing out (FOMO)

Fraudsters use the fear of missing out to lure victims into fake deals or investment opportunities. These scams make you feel like you’ll regret it if you don’t act fast.

Example: A scammer advertises a “limited-time investment” promising huge returns, but only for the first few people who sign up.

Building trust or rapport

Many scams start with small talk to build a relationship. Scammers pretend to be a friend, customer service agent, or even a romantic interest to gain your trust before making a move.

Example: In a romance scam, someone you met online spends weeks or months gaining your trust—before suddenly needing money for an "emergency."

Using AI

AI-powered scams are making fraud more convincing than ever. Deepfake technology allows scammers to mimic voices and appearances of trusted individuals.

Example: You get a call from what sounds like your grandchild, begging for money due to an emergency—only to find out later it was an AI-generated deepfake voice.

Offering financial relief

Scammers prey on financial hardship, promising quick loans, easy debt relief, or investment schemes with guaranteed returns.

Example: A fake investment group claims they can double your money in a month but require an upfront deposit.

Engaging in blackmail

Some scammers threaten to expose personal or compromising information unless the victim pays a ransom.

Example: A hacker claims they have compromising photos of you and demands Bitcoin to keep them private.

Phishing for information

Scammers send emails, texts, or calls disguised as legitimate organizations to steal login credentials and personal details.

Example: A text from "Amazon" claims there’s an issue with your order and asks you to click a link—which leads to a fake login page designed to steal your password.

Exploiting engagement

Some scams start with a robocall or automated message, then escalate by transferring victims to live scammers posing as "helpful agents."

Example: You get a robocall about health insurance, and when you press a button, you’re transferred to a scammer pretending to assist you.

Best practices to avoid scammer tactics

• Protect your personal information – Don’t share sensitive data with unverified sources.
• Verify the legitimacy – If an organization contacts you, call them back using an official number.
• Be wary of urgency – Scammers want you to panic. Slow down and think before acting.
• Trust your gut – If something feels off, it probably is.
• Stay informed – Scammers constantly evolve; keep up with the latest scams.

Combat scammer tactics with real-time protection

Scammers aren’t slowing down, but you can stay ahead with real-time protection. Security solutions can block phishing attempts, detect deepfake scams, and alert you to fraudulent activity before it’s too late.