The academic calendar is structured around key phases throughout the year, each presenting unique opportunities for scammers to target students, parents, and educational institutions. Understanding these phases and their associated scams is crucial for staying protected. Below, we explore these phases and the common scams that emerge during each period.
The scamming landscape has reached unprecedented levels in 2025, with criminals leveraging AI technology and sophisticated psychological tactics to steal billions globally. Here's what you absolutely need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones. The Alarming Reality: Scams Are Getting Worse The numbers are staggering: Over
Summer 2025 has brought sun, fun, and unfortunately, a surge in sophisticated scams targeting unsuspecting consumers. As we dive into vacation season, scammers are working overtime to exploit our desire for great deals and memorable experiences. This summer's fraud landscape is more dangerous than ever, with criminals leveraging
Email has become an essential communication tool for seniors, connecting them with family, healthcare providers, and financial institutions. However, this digital lifeline has also become a primary target for cybercriminals who specifically prey on older adults. Recent cybersecurity research reveals alarming trends that every senior—and their families—should understand.
The Identity Theft Crisis Demands Personal Action Identity theft has evolved into a sophisticated criminal enterprise affecting millions of people annually. According to recent FTC data, there were over 1.1 million reports of identity theft in 2024, with overall fraud losses exceeding $12.5 billion—a 25% increase from
In today’s digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the world—making life easier, more efficient, and more connected. But there’s a dark side: scammers are weaponizing AI and deepfake technology to pull off next-level cons that are tougher to spot and more convincing than ever. Imagine a
Cryptocurrency has taken the world by storm, offering a decentralized, digital alternative to traditional currencies. With its meteoric rise in popularity, it’s no surprise that scammers have found a fertile ground to exploit unsuspecting investors. Crypto scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with fraudsters employing a variety of tactics to
Tax season is finally over, and you’ve filed your returns—phew! But before you kick back and relax, there’s something you need to know: scammers aren’t done with you yet. In fact, the weeks and months after tax season are prime time for fraudsters to strike. They’
Summer is finally here, and with it comes the irresistible urge to pack your bags, hit the road, and soak up some sun. Whether you’re dreaming of a beachside retreat, a mountain adventure, or a bustling city escape, the excitement of planning your getaway is half the fun. But
Graduation season is a time of joy, celebration, and giving. For many, gift cards are the perfect present—convenient, versatile, and loved by graduates of all ages. Unfortunately, this time of year also brings a surge in graduation gift card scams, where fraudsters use fake offers and phishing emails to
Spring is a time of renewal, when homeowners across the country feel the urge to refresh their living spaces. Whether it’s a thorough deep clean, a fresh coat of paint, or a full-scale renovation, the season inspires us to tackle home improvement projects. Unfortunately, it also brings out scammers
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, online interactions have become an integral part of our lives, connecting us globally and offering unprecedented convenience. However, this interconnectedness has also opened the floodgates for increasingly sophisticated scams that prey on our vulnerabilities. From deceptive charity requests tugging at our heartstrings
In an era where digital platforms enable global generosity, charity donation scams have surged, exploiting empathy and urgency to defraud well-intentioned donors. Two pervasive schemes—fake crowdfunding campaigns and holiday donation scams—divert millions from legitimate causes annually, eroding trust and inflicting financial and emotional harm. This article dissects these
The pursuit of education is a noble endeavor, but it has become a prime target for scammers exploiting aspirations for financial aid and academic credentials. Two pervasive schemes—fake scholarships and diploma mills—defraud thousands annually, draining bank accounts and derailing careers. This article dissects these scams, their psychological tactics,
The digital age has transformed how we connect with pets, but it has also opened the floodgates for scams that prey on compassion and trust. Fake pet sales and pet adoption scams defraud thousands annually, leaving victims financially devastated and emotionally shattered. This article dissects these schemes, their psychological tactics,
Imposter scams rank among the most pervasive and emotionally manipulative forms of modern fraud. By exploiting trust in personal relationships or reputable institutions, criminals drain billions annually from victims worldwide. Two particularly destructive variants—family/friend emergency scams and business impersonation—leverage urgency, secrecy, and technological trickery to bypass rational
The digital real estate market has streamlined property searches but also spawned sophisticated scams that exploit housing shortages and transaction complexities. Phantom rentals and real estate wire fraud have emerged as two of the most devastating schemes, leaving victims financially ruined and emotionally shattered. This article unpacks their mechanics, real-world
Fraudulent surveys and quizzes have become pervasive tools for cybercriminals to harvest personal data, manipulate victims, and orchestrate financial scams. While these ploys often masquerade as harmless entertainment or quick-cash opportunities, they exploit psychological triggers and digital anonymity to compromise security. Below, we analyze the mechanics of data harvesting quizzes
Online dating and social media have revolutionized how people connect, but they’ve also opened floodgates for sophisticated scams targeting emotional vulnerabilities. Catfishing and honeytraps—two prevalent forms of romance fraud—exploit trust to steal money, sensitive data, or manipulate victims into compromising situations. Below, we dissect these scams, their
Subscription and membership scams exploit consumers through deceptive practices that lock them into unwanted recurring charges. Two prevalent forms—free trial scams and subscription traps—use psychological tactics, hidden terms, and digital manipulation to siphon money from victims. Below, we dissect how these scams operate, their real-world impacts, and strategies
Introduction The rise of online gaming has created an exciting digital world for players, but it has also opened the door for cybercriminals looking to exploit unsuspecting gamers. From in-game purchase scams to account hijacking, scammers use various deceptive tactics to steal personal and financial information. This article explores the
Introduction Natural disasters bring devastation to communities, prompting an outpouring of generosity from individuals looking to help victims rebuild their lives. Unfortunately, scammers exploit these moments of crisis by setting up fake charities and fraudulent fundraising campaigns. In recent months, wildfires in Los Angeles, California, and a hurricane in Asheville,
Government impersonation scams have become a pervasive threat, targeting individuals through phone calls, emails, and even text messages. Scammers pose as legitimate government officials, using fear tactics to trick victims into providing sensitive information or making payments. This article explores some of the most common government impersonation scams, including Social
Introduction Phishing attacks have long been one of the most prevalent cyber threats, tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information or installing malicious software. However, with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), phishing campaigns have evolved dramatically. AI-enhanced phishing emails are now hyper-personalized, highly convincing, and more difficult to detect than