Trending: AI Voice Scams
AI voice scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Using short audio clips found online, fraudsters can now use artificial intelligence to mimic the voice of a family member, friend, or trusted organization. These scams often begin with an urgent and/or emotional phone call claiming to be a loved one in trouble who needs money immediately. The goal is to create panic and pressure you into reacting before you have time to verify the situation.
How scammers make the situation convincing:
- Using AI technology to imitate familiar voices
- Creating urgent stories involving emergencies or legal trouble
- Pressuring victims to act quickly and avoid contacting others
- Requesting money through wire transfers, gift cards, or payment apps
- Manipulating caller ID information to appear trustworthy
Ways to protect yourself:
- Pause and confirm the situation using a phone number you already know is legitimate
- Establish a family password or phrase for emergencies
- Be cautious of unexpected calls requesting immediate financial help
- Limit public audio and video content shared online when possible
- Never send money until you independently verify the request
Trending: Smishing Scams
Smishing scams use text messages to trick people into clicking fraudulent links, sharing sensitive information, or downloading malicious software. These messages often appear to come from familiar businesses, delivery companies, financial institutions, or government agencies. Most are designed to create urgency, so recipients respond quickly without stopping to question the message.
Common smishing attempts:
- Fake shipping or package delivery notifications
- Alerts claiming suspicious activity on your account
- Messages about unpaid tolls, bills, or account balances
- Offers for prizes, refunds, or gift cards
- Links directing users to fake login or payment websites
Warning signs to watch for:
- Unexpected texts asking you to click a link immediately
- Misspelled company names or unusual website addresses
- Requests for passwords, account details, or verification codes
- Messages designed to create panic or urgency
- Texts coming from unfamiliar or international numbers
Good habits that help keep you protected:
- Avoid clicking links in unsolicited text messages
- Visit websites directly through official apps or trusted bookmarks
- Block and report suspicious numbers when possible
- Never provide login credentials or passcodes through text
- Keep your phone, apps, and security settings up to date
Spotlight: Job Scams
Scammers frequently target people searching for flexible jobs or additional income opportunities. These scams often advertise remote work, easy online tasks, or high pay with little experience required. In many cases, the “job offer” arrives through a text message, email, or social media post promising fast hiring and flexible hours. Once someone responds, the scammer may ask for upfront payments, personal information, or banking details. By the time the victim realizes the opportunity is fake, the scammer has already collected money or sensitive information.
How these scams draw people in:
- Promising high earnings for minimal work or experience
- Requesting upfront payments for training, equipment, or application fees
- Sending fake checks and asking for part of the money to be returned
- Conducting interviews only through text or messaging platforms
- Asking for personal or financial information early in the process
Steps to help protect yourself:
- Never send money to secure a job opportunity
- Research companies independently before responding to offers
- Be skeptical of jobs promising unrealistic pay or immediate hiring
- Avoid opportunities requesting payment through gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers
- Talk to someone you trust before sharing personal or financial information
Keeping these reminders in mind can help you recognize scams before they happen. Stay safe!
If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, contact our Customer Care Center immediately at (617) 969-4300 and report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.