Digital fraud happens when criminals use email, websites, malicious software, and other methods to trick you into giving up your personal information to steal your identity or your money. Digital fraud can involve any technology that has access to the internet, including laptops, desktop computers, cell phones, tablets, and more.
What are some types of digital fraud?
Some of the most common types of digital fraud include spam in the form of emails, text messages, or phone calls, spy and ransomware, fake online sales, phishing (using malicious links to steal personal data), identity theft, and internet banking fraud.
How does digital fraud work?
Digital fraud usually starts with tactics designed to gain unauthorized access to personal or financial information. It often involves tricking individuals through fake spam emails, websites, or malicious links, aiming to steal data or money.
Fraudsters may use stolen information for unauthorized transactions, unauthorized access to accounts, or create false identities. They may also use fake profiles on social media platforms to build trust and manipulate victims and might impersonate tech support or solicit donations for fake causes. Digital fraud typically relies on exploiting a victim’s emotions and trust.
How do I spot digital fraud?
Watch out for inconsistencies in internet links and email addresses. Don’t trust or download unsolicited software or other attachments and make sure you frequently monitor your accounts for unexpected changes in activity. Learn how to spot high-pressure tactics or requests for sensitive information designed to bypass security measures. Recognizing these signs can help mitigate the risks of accidentally sharing personal information with scammers.
Do scammers use artificial intelligence?
Some scammers are very sophisticated and use the latest technology, including artificial intelligence, or AI, making scams even more difficult to detect. Reports of scammers using AI-powered voice cloning to pull off imposter scams are growing more common. Combined with other AI tools like video deepfakes, it means your own eyes and ears could actually be deceiving you. Always verify someone’s identity, even if it looks and sounds like the person you know.
How can I protect myself against digital fraud?
Make sure your computer, phone, and other digital devices have the most up-to-date operating software. Look for “https” or the small lock icon in the upper left of the address bar in your browser and be very careful to check that websites you are entering private or sensitive information into are verified and trustworthy.
It’s also important to be skeptical if you received unsolicited communication from your bank or another financial institution. Once they get your personal information, it’s common for digital scammers to call, text, or email you pretending to be your bank with the goal of getting you to tell them your account information or password.
If you receive a phone call from anyone claiming to be with your bank, even if the caller ID on your phone says it’s coming from the bank, hang up and verify by calling a phone number from a bank statement or one you find on their official website. Never give anyone your bank account, credit card, social security number, or other sensitive personal information over the phone or in response to an email asking you to provide it.
Stay safe by not sharing sensitive data with unknown contacts, and regularly updating your passwords. Remember, your digital security is in your hands.
