Scams You Must Avoid in 2025

By: Amit Kmir / April 22, 2025

As technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics of scammers. While 2025 brings new innovations in AI, finance, and digital services, it also opens the door for more sophisticated scams. Here are the top scams to watch out for in 2025—and how to protect yourself.

1. AI Voice Cloning Scams

Scammers are now using AI to mimic the voices of loved ones or authority figures. All it takes is a few seconds of audio from social media or videos to create a realistic voice clone. You may get a call from someone who sounds like your boss, spouse, or child, asking for money urgently.

How to stay safe: Always verify by calling back on a known number or using a safe word with close contacts.

2. Deepfake Video Extortion

Deepfake videos are now hyper-realistic. Scammers may create fake compromising videos of victims and threaten to release them unless a ransom is paid—usually in cryptocurrency.

Tip: Don’t panic. Real deepfake extortion is often a bluff. Report it to cybercrime authorities immediately.

3. Fake Investment Platforms

In 2025, AI-generated websites and social media ads make it easy for scammers to create fake crypto, forex, and real estate investment platforms. They look legitimate but are designed to steal your money.

Red flags: Unrealistic returns, pressure to invest quickly, or no real contact details.

4. QR Code Scams

From restaurants to bus stops, QR codes are everywhere—and scammers are replacing real ones with malicious codes that steal your data or lead to phishing sites.

Protect yourself: Only scan QR codes from trusted sources. Use a secure QR code scanner app that checks links before opening them.

5. Job Offer & Remote Work Scams

With remote work booming, scammers are posing as recruiters or HR reps offering fake jobs. They ask for personal info, advance payments for “training kits,” or ask you to cash checks and send the money back.

Best practice: Research the company, never pay to get hired, and verify job offers on official company websites.

6. Subscription Traps

Some websites and apps offer free trials but hide tricky terms that lock you into costly subscriptions. Canceling becomes nearly impossible, especially when disguised behind shady customer service.

What to do: Always read the fine print, and use virtual cards or payment apps that allow easy cancellation.

7. Government & Tax Scams

Scammers impersonate government bodies, threatening arrests or fines unless you pay immediately. With AI, these scams are more believable than ever in 2025.

Rule of thumb: No real agency asks for payments over the phone, especially not in gift cards or crypto.

Final Tips to Stay Safe in 2025:

Use two-factor authentication (2FA) everywhere.
Keep your social media private and limited.
Avoid clicking on random links in emails or texts.
Trust your gut—if it feels off, it probably is.

Why Online Scams Are on the Rise

2 Comments

Bright otoo

April 22, 2025

I need help

Antonio Smith

April 22, 2025

Please how can we help you?