Would you know how to spot a digital scam before becoming a victim? As technology continues to evolve, scammers are finding increasingly easy and convincing ways to steal money and personal information. As digital scams become more convincing, learning how to recognize phishing attempts and other warning signs can help you stay protected.  

Types of Digital Scams

AI Voice Cloning Scams

Imagine receiving a frantic phone call from a family member asking for help, except the voice on the other line isn’t actually theirs. With the help of artificial intelligence, scammers can recreate a person’s voice using only a few seconds of audio found online.

These digital scams are designed to make you act quickly before you have time to think. A scammer may pretend to be a family member in trouble, an employer requesting urgent action, or a trusted contact asking for money or sensitive information.

How to spot it:

The conversation may feel scripted or rehearsed, and the caller may pressure you to skip normal safety measures. They may also insist that you keep the situation private or coach you on what to say to your financial institution.

Real-Time Payment Fraud

Real-time payment apps like Venmo, PayPal Instant Transfers, and Zelle make it easy to send money quickly. Unfortunately, scammers are taking advantage of that speed to steal money from victims.

Once money is sent through these apps, it may be difficult or impossible to recover. Scammers often create panic, secrecy, or urgency so you act before thinking. They may claim there is an emergency or promote a “limited-time” offer to pressure you into sending money right away.

How to spot it:

Be cautious if someone pressures you to send money immediately, asks you to keep the payment secret, or insists on using a real-time payment app. These scams are especially dangerous because funds can arrive within seconds, giving scammers time to transfer or withdraw the money before the victim realizes what happened.

Fake Tech Support Scams

Fake tech support scams occur when fraudsters impersonate a trusted technology company, such as Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, Google, Norton, McAfee, or another well-known organization. They may claim there is a problem with your computer, account, or device. 

Scammers may call and say your device is infected with malware, unauthorized transactions have cleared your account, you were refunded too much money, or you need to move money to a “safe account.” These claims are designed to create confusion, fear, or urgency so the scammer can coach you into sharing personal information. 

These digital scams may also include phishing tactics, such as fake links, pop-ups, or messages designed to steal login credentials, install malicious software, or gain access to your personal and financial information.

How to spot it:

Be wary of unsolicited phone calls or text messages claiming to be from tech support. Watch out for pop-up windows on the internet telling you to call a support number, as well as websites or online ads advertising suspicious tech support services.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

• Slow down the interaction: Digital scams often rely on urgency. Take a moment to think before clicking a link, sending money, or sharing information.
• Hang up and verify the request: If someone over the phone is coaching you through a transaction, asking for money, or telling you what to say to your financial institution, hang up immediately. Contact the person, company, or your financial institution directly using a verified number.
• Ask security questions: If someone claims to be a family member or trusted contact, ask questions only the real person would know. You can also create a family code word to use in emergencies.
• Stop communication: If you believe the interaction is a scam, hang up, stop responding, and block the caller or sender.

How to Protect Yourself from Digital Scams

• Never share confidential information over the phone: Do not provide account numbers, passwords, PINs, Social Security numbers, or other sensitive information to someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
• Do not send payments to strangers: Avoid sending money through payment apps to people you do not know or requests you have not verified.
• Protect your account credentials: Never give your username, password, or security codes to anyone. Add multi-factor authentication or a secure PIN to your accounts whenever possible.
• Do not allow remote access: Never let someone remotely access your personal devices unless you are certain they are from a trusted and verified source.
• Avoid phishing links: Do not click suspicious links in emails, texts, pop-ups, or social media messages. These links may download malicious software onto your device.
• Keep security software updated: Use virus scan software and keep it up to date to help protect your devices from malware and other threats.

Digital scams can happen to anyone, but staying alert and slowing down before taking action can help protect your money and personal information.

If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Before sharing personal information or sending money, please contact Goldenwest Credit Union at 800-283-4550.