#Watch Out 7: Common Ways Hackers Try to Scam in 2022

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Watch Out: 7 Common Ways Hackers Try to Scam in 2022

You may have heard about people being scammed on the news, or it might have happened to you at some point. Either way, it’s important to understand the risks posed by hackers and how they evolve over time. Here are a few of the most common threats you’ll see this year and what you can do to avoid them.

1. Asking You to Be a Money Mule

According to the FDIC, a ton of people end up becoming accomplices to fraud, although they don’t realize it. If you receive an e-mail from an unknown person asking you to accept money from them, beware. Most of the time, this is how hackers get people to help them with their fraudulent activities.

For example, you may get an e-mail asking if you’d be willing to open a bank account for someone. They may promise to give you a large sum of money in exchange, but it’s most likely a fraud.

You can check out the US Department of Justice’s page on money mules to learn how it’s done and how to avoid it.

2. Social Engineering on Dating Apps

Romantic scammers try to create profiles on dating apps, and then they can send you a request there. Sometimes, they’ll even go far enough to try and build a relationship with you, but it’s all online.

Since this is a type of social engineering, it depends on you trusting the scammer. Fortunately, if you refuse to give them what they want, they can’t do anything to you. The Federal Trade Commission has listed some info on how these scams appear and what you can do to avoid them.

3. Impersonating Reputable Institutions

One of the most seductive scams out there right now is the impersonation of institutions. A scammer may send you a message claiming they are part of a government agency, like the FDIC. Then, they’ll ask you to confirm confidential information, and if you give it to them, you’re at their mercy.

Remember that the FDIC and other agencies won’t ask for your info online, so pay attention to signs of fraud. If you get an e-mail asking about your personal info, don’t give it to them.

4. Preying on Vulnerable Homeowners

Ever since the lockdowns, a ton of homeowners have been buried in debt, struggling to make ends meet. The FTC has designed a few programs to help relieve the financial pressure on homeowners. Yet, scammers are aware of these programs, and they impersonate them to commit fraud.

This is an insidious way of targeting homeowners since they look for the vulnerable. If you get an ad from a company claiming they want to save you from foreclosure, be careful about moving forward. The scammers may be trying to take equity out of your home, and that’s only the beginning. Sometimes, they even try to evict owners from the property and sell it.

5. Installing Ransomware on Your Devices

You’ve likely heard about ransomware in the news since it makes for a good headline. Luckily, you can count on cyber security services to protect you from this threat as long as you sign up early.

Ransomware belongs to something called malware, and it gives scammers control of devices. Using a strong cyber security protocol can mostly avoid this threat.

6. Spoofing and Phishing

Spoofing and phishing are similar to other scams, but they work a little differently. Scammers may try to impersonate a trusted device, connect to your network, and then steal info. If they’re successful, they could get your personal documents, including your social.

Usually, they try to convince you they are someone you already trust, so you must pay attention. Unless hackers can prove they are who they say they are, don’t trust them.

7. Identity Theft and Comprised Business E-Mails

Many businesses rely on e-mail to conduct exchanges, which are vulnerable to hacks. By preventing hackers from accessing your e-mail, you can stop them from stealing info. Also, you must maintain tight control over your personal information when shopping online. Otherwise, a hacker might steal it, and they can open credit lines in your name.

How to Protect Yourself From Hackers and Scammers This Year

Hackers are continually evolving, so you have to be as well. If you don’t keep up with their attempts, you could become their next victim, and you don’t want that.

by Elizabeth Howard

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