Top Online Scams to Watch Out for in 2024

Scammers are getting smarter, leveraging new technologies like artificial intelligence to craft scams that look more believable than ever. According to a recent Google report, fraud losses surged 25% to $12.5 billion last year, highlighting how cybercriminals exploit both technology and human trust.

Google's Safety Engineering Center identified five trending scams that everyone should be aware of to stay safe online.

1. Customer Support Scams

Scammers impersonate tech support providers, exploiting fears about IT issues to steal sensitive data. They may display fake support numbers by exploiting website vulnerabilities.

• Use only official contact info from your device or service contracts.
• Ignore unsolicited help offers and never grant remote access to unknown providers.

2. Malvertising

Fake online ads offer free or cracked software to spread malware. Increasingly, scammers target sophisticated users with valuable assets like crypto wallets, convincing them to disable security protections.

• Download software only from trusted sites.
• Never ignore or disable browser or antivirus security warnings.

3. Fake Travel Websites

Vacation scams spike before travel seasons, with fake sites masquerading as hotels or agencies offering unbelievable deals to lure victims.

• Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true.
• Use secure payment methods with buyer protection and avoid wire transfers.
• Confirm bookings directly with hotels or airlines and inquire about hidden fees.

4. Package-Tracking Scams

Fake messages from delivery companies trick victims into paying bogus fees. Phishing kits now allow scammers to mimic legitimate websites almost instantly, increasing scam sophistication.

• Be skeptical of unexpected delivery alerts urging immediate action.
• Avoid clicking on shortened or suspicious links.
• Check package status directly on official delivery websites.

5. Toll Road Scams

Fake texts claim unpaid tolls to trick drivers into giving credit card info. The rise of cashless tolling has opened this new scam avenue.

• Verify toll fees directly with official toll companies.
• Avoid clicking links from unknown numbers or emails, even if urgent.

Staying informed about these scams is your best defense. As scammers evolve, so must your awareness and caution.