Scams and fraud schemes are evolving faster than ever. As outlined by recent research, losses from online scams reached record levels in 2024 and continue to surge in 2025. At DeceptiGrid, we monitor these threats closely so you can stay ahead. In this article, we highlight three of the most troubling trends currently observed.
Scammers are using artificial intelligence and deepfake technologies to dramatically enhance the effectiveness of their operations. According to a recent overview:
- AI-generated phishing emails and texts that read and feel almost indistinguishable from legitimate communications.
- Deepfake videos, voice clones, and fake identities are being used to impersonate executives, celebrities, or trusted persons.
- Usage of “blob:” URLs, trusted translation services, or legitimate-looking domains to evade filters.
Real-world Examples
In Brazil, authorities identified a scheme where scammers used deepfake images of a well-known celebrity to run fake ad campaigns on Instagram, resulting in millions of dollars in losses.
Why it matters
Because AI enables the mass production of highly tailored scams, the barrier to crafting convincing deceptions is lower than ever. Victims are more easily duped when they believe they are interacting with an actual person they trust.
What you can do
- Treat unexpected requests or alerts with caution — even if they appear legitimate.
- Verify by contacting organizations using know official channels (not the link provided in the suspicious message).
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) or passkeys where possible.
- Stay educated on the latest tools and tactics.
Another rising category: scammers posing as someone you trust or want to believe in. These include government imposters, “grandparent” scams, and romance-related fraud.
- Imposter scams now more often begin via email or text rather than phone calls.
- Romance scams remain prevalent — fake profiles, emotional manipulation, then sudden requests for money.
- Sextortion targeting younger users also continues to increase.
Real-world example
In Oklahoma, a woman has been charged with laundering nearly US$1.5 million obtained through romance scams targeting older women. Victims believed they were in a romantic relationship and transferred large sums including gift-cards, cash and wire transfers.
Why it matters
The emotional aspect of these scams makes them particularly dangerous. Victims may feel embarrassed and hesitate to report, which allows scammers to operate with lower detection rates.
What you can do
Be sceptical of relationships or contacts that progress very quickly and request money under emotional pretexts.
Never send money, gift cards or cryptocurrency to someone you haven’t met in real life and verified.
Talk openly with family members (especially seniors or children) about the risks and help them recognise warning signs.
Scammers are also innovating in the “job” or “task” space — offering seemingly legitimate opportunities that lead to loss of money or personal data. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), game-like “task-scams” pulled in more than US$220 million in just the first half of 2024.
Other variants include fake tech-support calls, fraudulent travel websites, and shipping/parcel-tracking scams.
Why it matters
These scams exploit the desire for earning money online, or the anxiety around tech issues and shipping. They often begin small (a “test task” or “small job”) then escalate into payments or personal data collection.
What you can do
Never pay money upfront for job offers or “tasks”. Legitimate employers don’t ask you to pay to get paid.
Beware of unsolicited tech-support contacts that say your device is infected and you must allow remote access.
For shipping/tracking notifications: verify recipient/parcel details via trusted carrier sites, not links in unexpected messages.
- US victims of online scams reported losses totaling US$16.6 billion in 2024.
- Over one trillion USD was lost globally in scam-related fraud during 2024.
- As one article notes: “We’re entering an industrial revolution for fraud criminals.”
- Educate & Communicate: Talk about scams — share real-world examples with colleagues, friends, family.
- Verify Everything: Don’t click links or pay requests until you’ve independently verified the sender.
- Use Technology Smartly: Keep software up to date, enable MFA, and use a known password manager.
- Report & Share: If you encounter what you believe to be a scam, report it to your bank, local authorities, and platforms involved.
- Stay Alert: Scammers change tactics quickly — what worked last year may not work in 2025.
The scam landscape is shifting — faster, smarter and more persuasive. At DeceptiGrid, our focus is to track these evolving threats and help you stay a step ahead. Recognising the new patterns of AI-driven deception, emotional manipulation via romance/imposter schemes, and task-based fraud is critical. Remember: vigilance and verification remain your best defence.
Stay Aware.
