It’s a new year — and if there’s one thing we can count on in 2025, it’s that scammers will keep getting more creative in their attempts to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. As technology continues to advance, it’s giving these criminals ever more sophisticated ways to trick victims into handing over their money. But when it comes to steering clear of scams, knowledge is often your best defense. Here’s a look at five common banking and finance-related scams that are set to pick up steam in the coming year — and the steps you can take to avoid them:
1. AI-Assisted Scams
With the help of artificial intelligence (AI), scammers are creating convincing messages that mimic people or organizations the intended victim may trust. For example, a fake phone call from what sounds like a family member or friend might suggest there’s an emergency that needs resolving, or a fraudulent text impersonating a legitimate business might convey that account issues need to be addressed. In most cases, the messages will express a sense of urgency — and they’ll almost always include a request for funds, at least eventually.
How to avoid falling victim:
If you ever receive an unusual request from a family member, friend, business, etc., reach out to verify the communications using a contact method you know is legitimate before taking any action in response. For example, you could call or text the friend directly at his or her personal number, or call the business using the phone number listed on its website. If the request comes via a phone call, ask questions that only the friend or family member would know how to answer correctly. And if the message comes via text or email, be especially leery of any unknown links included in the message. By being skeptical and taking extra steps to confirm the legitimacy of any out-of-the-ordinary requests, you can protect yourself from being scammed.
2. Scam Job Offers
With work-from-home and other remote jobs on the rise, it’s not uncommon for employees to be hired without ever meeting their new employer in person. Scammers are taking advantage of the trend by posting fake job listings designed to look legitimate and lure job seekers to apply. Then, at some point during the supposed hiring process, the scammer will ask the applicant to send funds for “job supplies” or “training” — which should raise a big red flag.
How to avoid falling victim:
Before applying for any job, confirm the employer is legitimate. If you’re not certain of the business’s or job offer’s authenticity, track down the company’s official website and reach out using the contact information provided there to confirm. Also, be aware that it’s highly unusual for any legitimate business to ask for up-front funds from an applicant or new hire — be skeptical of any such request.
3. ‘Investment Opportunity’ Scams
Especially as the popularity of cryptocurrency and online investment platforms grows, scammers are seizing the opportunity to catch their victims’ interest — and take their money — with the promise of fast and easy investment returns. To seem more authentic, the criminals often employ websites that look legitimate, along with convincing testimonials from satisfied “investors,” to lure victims to send funds that ultimately provide nothing in return.
How to avoid falling victim:
Beware of any investment opportunity offering “guaranteed” returns or promising other results that seem too good to be true — especially when connected to highly volatile commodities such as cryptocurrency. Before committing to any investment, always do research to confirm it’s legitimate, and never send funds to unverified recipients or via unfamiliar platforms. If you’d like to make an investment, it’s best to stick with well-known and respected financial institutions with a long history of legitimately serving their customers.
4. Subscription Service-Centered Scams
With most modern consumers carrying subscriptions to services such as streaming video and/or audio platforms, cloud storage, internet-based software, etc., scammers have taken notice. They’ve begun sending out fake emails and texts designed to look legitimate, often asking recipients to follow a link to “update your payment info” or resolve another supposedly urgent issue with their account. In reality, the link directs victims to a fraudulent site designed to harvest their sensitive personal and financial details.
How to avoid falling victim:
When managing any subscription or service online, always access your account by visiting the service provider’s official website to log in rather than following a link in any email or text you might receive. To confirm any potential issues with your account, you can also contact the provider directly using the customer service phone number posted on the company’s official website.
5. Online Shopping — and Dubious Delivery — Scams
Many of today’s consumers routinely shop online for the products and services they need. To take advantage, scammers are creating fake websites designed to look like legitimate online businesses, as well as posting fraudulent listings to online sales forums such as Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. And since most online purchases are delivered via the postal service or other package-delivery services, scammers are also sending out emails and texts fraudulently claiming that there are delivery issues that need to be resolved.
How to avoid falling victim:
When shopping online, always be skeptical of unfamiliar websites offering goods and services at prices that seem too good to be true, and research any retailers you haven’t heard of before. Rather than clicking through on any links you may receive in a text or email, always visit the websites of online retailers, package-delivery services, etc., directly via their official web addresses, or call them using a verified phone number. For added safety, consider using credit cards to make your online purchases, as they often offer built-in fraud protection. Finally, when buying items via an online marketplace like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, always meet any unknown seller in a familiar and safe public place. Also, avoid making any deposits or payments to them before confirming that the item and offer are legitimate.
More resources for protecting yourself against scams
Looking for additional helpful information about scams and how to avoid falling victim to them? The Arthur State Bank blog offers a wealth of guidance on topics like how fraud and scams differ, protecting yourself from phishing scams, avoiding identity theft and more.
Proudly serving South Carolina since 1933, Arthur State Bank offers accounts and services to meet a variety of financial needs. To help you achieve all your financial goals, the bank offers in-person service as well as a range of convenient digital solutions. To learn how Arthur State Bank can help you with banking needs ranging from checking and savings to retirement accounts, mortgages, other personal loans and more, visit arthurstatebank.com.