Scammers are getting more sophisticated, preying on our growing reliance on technology to steal personal information and money. With a 341% increase in malicious emails reported by SlashNext, the threat is more real than ever. From fake utility refunds to job scams to AI generated voice impersonations, fraudsters are targeting us at every turn. But staying informed is your best defense. Robin Knows helps you tackle these threats head-on, offering real-time scam detection and personalized tech support so you can protect yourself and your loved ones from these ever-evolving schemes. Here's what you need to watch for in 2024.

Recent Scams: 

Utility Scam Targeting Evergy Customers: Scammers are impersonating employees from Evergy, a utility company, and targeting customers, especially senior citizens. They claim to offer a $200 refund or discounts on utility bills in exchange for personal information or credit card details. Evergy has clarified that these offers are fraudulent and urges customers to verify employee identities and avoid sharing personal data over unsolicited calls or emails​. - Source: Evergy | Newsroom

Job Scam on LinkedIn and Other Platforms: Fraudsters are posing as recruiters from well-known companies on LinkedIn and job sites. They lure victims with fake job offers and then request upfront payments for job equipment or onboarding fees, which is a clear red flag. Genuine employers will never ask for money through platforms like Zelle or PayPal for employment opportunities.​ - Source: Consumer Advice

Phishing Attacks Using StrelaStealer Malware: A recent phishing campaign has targeted over 100 organizations in the U.S. and Europe. The attackers use email attachments to deploy the StrelaStealer malware, which steals email login data. The malware is designed to evade detection by altering file formats and bypassing antivirus defenses​. Source: DMARC Report

A Comprehensive Look:

As we rely more on technology and online services, scammers are finding new ways to trick us out of our hard-earned money and personal information. Whether through fake investment opportunities, phishing emails, or online shopping scams, it’s important to stay aware of the latest threats. Below, we’ve gathered a list of the most common scams reported in 2024, broken down into easy-to-understand categories so you can stay one step ahead and protect yourself from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.

1. Financial Scams

Scammers in these schemes aim to steal your money through deceptive promises or impersonations.

• AI Voice Cloning Scams – Scammers use technology to copy a loved one’s voice, calling you and asking for urgent financial help. Source FTC
• Cryptocurrency Investment Scams – Fake platforms steal investors' cryptocurrency. Source  - FBI
• Fake Health Insurance Scams – Scammers sell non-existent health insurance plans. Source - Dept of Justice
• Zelle Payment Scams – Fraudsters trick users into sending money via Zelle to fake accounts. Source - Zelle
• Pyramid and Ponzi Schemes – Fraudulent investment schemes collapse after taking money from new investors. Source - DFPI
• Fake Investment Advisers – Imposters posing as certified financial advisers scam investors out of their savings. Source - Investor.gov 

2. Identity Theft & Data Breaches

These scams steal your personal information, which can lead to financial fraud or identity theft.

• Phishing Emails Targeting Online Tax Filers – Fake tax agency emails steal personal info during tax season. Source - IRS
• Social Security Impersonation Scams – Fake government calls threaten arrest if personal information isn’t provided. Source - SSA
• Identity Theft Through Data Breaches – Hackers steal personal information from large data breaches, leading to identity fraud. Source - ID Theft Center
• Business Email Compromise (BEC) – Fraudsters intercept email communications to redirect invoice payments to their accounts. Source - FBI
• Telemarketing Scams Targeting Seniors – Fraudulent telemarketers sell non-existent products or services to older adults. MyCreditUnion.gov

3. Online & Tech-Related Scams

These scams take advantage of online platforms, apps, or technology to trick you into giving up money or personal details.

• Fake Tech Support Scams – Scammers pose as tech support from major companies, asking for remote access to devices. Source - FTC
• Smishing (SMS Phishing) – Text messages mimicking banks or government agencies ask for personal details or payments. Source - IBM
• Online Marketplace Scams – Fraudulent sellers on platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace disappear after receiving payments. Source - Wired
• Ticket Resale Scams – Fake tickets to concerts or events are sold at inflated prices, with the buyer left without entry. Source - BBB
• Malware-Laden QR Codes – Scammers use fake QR codes to direct victims to malware-infected websites. CISA

4. Romance & Emotional Manipulation Scams

These scams target your emotions, using relationships or trust to take advantage of you financially.

• Elder Romance Scams – Fraudsters target older adults on dating apps, building trust and then requesting financial help. Source - FTC
• Grandparent Scams – Imposters claim to be grandchildren needing urgent money for emergencies. Source - AARP
• Pet Adoption Scams – Scammers request upfront payments for non-existent pets through social media ads. Source - ABC

5. Consumer Product Scams

Scammers offer fake products or services, tricking you into paying for something that doesn’t exist or isn’t what it seems.

• Fake Charity Scams After Natural Disasters – Fraudsters impersonate charities following natural disasters, seeking donations. Source - FEMA
• Fake Job Offer Scams – Job seekers get "hired" for non-existent jobs and are asked to pay upfront for training or equipment. Source - FTC
• Fake Rental Listings – Scammers post fake rental property ads, demanding deposits for properties they don’t own. Source - FTC
• Fake Airline Ticket Refunds – Fraudsters offer fake refunds or rescheduling options for canceled flights, then steal personal details. Source - Aura
• Online Shopping Scams – Scammers create fake websites or social media ads for non-existent products, then vanish after receiving payments. Source - Florida Dept of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Staying in the know is easier than you think

Staying informed is your best defense against the ever-evolving tactics of scammers. By learning about these common fraud schemes, you’re already taking a crucial step toward protecting yourself and your loved ones. For more tips on avoiding scams and staying safe online, be sure to sign up for updates from Robin Knows. You can always rely on Robin Knows to help you stay protected—just download the app, and ask away whenever you need assistance.