Scams

Scams have evolved from poorly written emails to complex emotional and technological frauds. Below, we review the most widespread and dangerous ones in existence today.

• Lottery or inheritance scams: A high prize or inheritance is offered to the victim for which they have to pay a small initial fee.
• Fake online dating: Fake profiles on dating apps gain users’ trust then request money, especially from older adults.
• Fake tech support: Users receive calls or pop-ups purporting to be from official tech support channels urging them to download remote tools and pay for non-existent repairs.
• Smishing: SMS scams. SMS messages claim to be from banks, utility services, or couriers and include fraudulent links.
• Impulsive shopping scams: Fake promotions and offers are used to capture data or payments through social media.
• Crypto and pig‑butchering scams: Using the lure of either romance or investment opportunities, these attacks gain their victims’ trust before relieving them of large sums.
• Impersonation and deepfake: Scams using fake identities through voice calls or videos claiming there is an emergency or a job offer.
• Digital arrest scams: Digital threats of arrests to intimidate victims.

Each type of scam has its own technique, but they all exploit a human vulnerability: trust. Identifying the specific warning signs of each enables users to react in time.

It is not a random phenomenon; scams proliferate because today’s digital environment favors them. Scammers rely on three key factors:

1. Advanced social engineering: Scammers perfect emotional manipulation techniques based on fear, urgency, or empathy.

2. Readily available technology: AI tools make it possible to create credible audio, images, and messages with minimal resources.

3. Multiple attack channels: Fraud is no longer limited to emails. Today scams arrive via SMS, phone calls, threats on social media, dating apps, marketplaces, or messaging services.

The combination of accessible technology and the widespread naivety of users makes scams a handy and effective threat for cybercriminals. The challenge is to be one step ahead, not just to react.

The good news is that it is possible to protect yourself from scams. You don’t have to become paranoid, just adopt more critical and secure digital habits. You can reduce the risk by taking a more comprehensive approach:

1. Always be wary of messages that push you to react urgently or request money immediately.

2. Avoid clicking on links or downloading unsolicited files.

3. Use cybersecurity software with anti-phishing protection such as Panda Dome, which detects suspicious links in emails and SMS.

4. Enable multi-factor authentication on all your accounts.

5. Manually verify any contacts that request information or payments.

6. Reject calls from anyone asking to have remote access to devices or bank details.

7. Educate yourself about new threats and new types of fraud. You can find information, tips, and breaking news in our Media Center.

8. If you believe you have been targeted, act quickly: change your passwords, contact your bank, and report the incident.

It's not just about avoiding a one-off scam but about building a culture of digital security. The more prepared you are, the less likely you are to become a victim.