Scammers online, on the phone or otherwise are getting sneakier, smarter and faster. With new technology in their corner by the day, they\u2019re cooking up convincing tricks to get your money, your personal info or both. If you\u2019ve ever received a suspicious text, an unexpected refund notice or a strange call from someone claiming to be your \u201cgrandson,\u201d you\u2019re not alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The latest scams going around are more sophisticated and harder to pinpoint than ever, and they\u2019re targeting just about everyone. But you don\u2019t have to live in fear of being scammed. Armed with the right knowledge, you can protect yourself and navigate the digital world with confidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s take a look at how the latest scams going around work and how to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting caught up in them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the most dangerous shifts we\u2019re seeing in recent phone scams is the use of artificial intelligence. Scammers are now using AI to write better messages, mimic real voices and even generate fake images and videos that look alarmingly real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With just a few seconds of audio\u2014often taken from a social media video\u2014scammers can create a convincing version of someone\u2019s voice. You might get a call from your \u201cdaughter\u201d or \u201cbrother\u201d saying they\u2019re in trouble and need money right away. It sounds just like them. But it\u2019s not. It\u2019s a voice cloning scam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Forget the typo-ridden spam of the past. AI-generated scam texts are smooth, professional and tailored to trick even savvy cellphone users. These often appear as SunPass text scams<\/a> (or similar toll scams), fake delivery alerts or condolences text message scams, preying on your emotions to get a quick response and make you slip up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Still rare, but on an alarming rise, deepfake videos can be used to promote fake investment schemes or impersonate celebrities or officials. Always be cautious before acting on what you see in a video.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Text message scams, often referred to as smishing, are texts that try to lure you into clicking a link or replying with personal info. Some smishing examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are among the new scams designed to catch you off-guard, especially if you\u2019re expecting a delivery or traveling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bonus resource: <\/em>Learn how to spot smishing and phishing messages<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Phone imposter scams are when you get a call from someone claiming to be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The organization will vary, but the claim will be the same\u2014they\u2019ll ask for personal info, payment or gift card codes. Remember: no legitimate company will demand urgent payment over the phone or by gift card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bonus resource: <\/em>Learn about a sneaky phone scam targeting our customers here<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n A refund scam is when a message or call claims there\u2019s been a charge you didn\u2019t authorize. Typically it\u2019s something like, \u201cYou\u2019ve been charged $199.99 for antivirus software.\u201d<\/em> Then, the scammer offers to help you process a refund.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The catch? They\u2019ll \u201caccidentally\u201d refund too much, then ask you to send the difference back\u2014leaving you out the money if you do. Regardless of the claim, never fall for the over-refund scam. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SIM swap scams and port-out scams, are fraud that involve stealing your phone number by transferring it to another SIM card. Once that happens, scammers can receive your text messages, reset your passwords and access your accounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your phone suddenly stops working or you lose service unexpectedly, contact your carrier right away. These cellphone scam methods can be fast and hard to detect until it\u2019s too late, so quick action is a must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Malicious apps are scams that look like helpful tools\u2014flashlights, games, fitness trackers\u2014but are actually stealing your data or spying on your activity. Only download apps from your device\u2019s official app store and always check reviews before installing anything new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n QR codes are everywhere now, and so are QR code scams. Whether menus, signs, parking meters or something else, scammers can easily print and place fake ones that look completely legitimate. When scanned, they might take you to a phony site that also looks real but is set up to steal your info.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romance scams and investment scams are both typically long-term scams that operate on the premise of building trust first. Essentially they play out like this: you meet someone online who seems kind, charming and sincere. After weeks of chatting, they ask for help paying a bill, investing in crypto or handling an emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These recent internet scams have cost Americans billions in recent years<\/a>. If someone you\u2019ve never met asks for money\u2014especially over the phone or through an app\u2014be cautious. In fact, don\u2019t just be cautious. Be vigilant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The latest scams going around may be more convincing than ever, but the red flags are still there if you know what to look for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If something feels off, it probably is. Pause and double-check before you act. All the time. Every time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are six quick tips on how to stay one step ahead of scammers in 2025:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Add an extra layer of protection to your email, banking and other important accounts. That way, even if your password gets stolen, scammers can\u2019t get in without a second code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many smartphones and carriers offer features to block suspected spam calls. You can also check out devices that offer added call protection<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unless you<\/em> placed the call or text to a known, trusted source, never give out your name, birthday, account numbers, passwords or any sensitive or personal information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stick to the Apple App Store<\/a> or Google Play Store<\/a>. Avoid \u201cAPK\u201d files or apps from unknown websites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n QR codes are an easy target for fraudsters. Always be wary before you scan and click\u2014especially if the QR code is taped to a public sign or doesn\u2019t match what you expected. It\u2019s always better and safer to ask for a web link or do your own web search to find the link instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scam tactics evolve fast. Bookmark our blog<\/a> for important scam alerts, like this sneaky phone scam<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even the most cautious folks can get caught off-guard. Here\u2019s what to do if you think you\u2019ve been targeted or scammed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Immediately change passwords to any affected accounts. Set up MFA if you haven\u2019t already.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you suspect SIM swapping or account access issues with your cellphone, call your carrier right away. Consumer Cellular customers can contact our 100% U.S. based customer service here<\/a>. Note, you may need to call from another line if scammers have taken control of your device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Report scams to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov<\/a> or to your state\u2019s consumer protection office. Reporting scams helps prevent others from falling for the same tricks. You may also need to report the scam to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at https:\/\/www.ic3.gov\/PSA\/2024\/PSA241203<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you shared payment info or sent money to a scammer, let your bank or provider know as soon as possible. They may be able to freeze or reverse the transaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What are the <\/strong>latest scams going around<\/strong> in 2025?<\/strong> What is the most popular scam right now<\/strong>?<\/strong> What are <\/strong>SunPass text scams<\/strong> and other <\/strong>toll scams<\/strong>?<\/strong> What are <\/strong>condolences text message scams<\/strong>?<\/strong> How can I tell if a phone call is a scam<\/strong>?<\/strong> What should I do if I receive a scam text or call? How can I protect myself from phone scams? The truth is, scams are going around more than ever\u2014but that doesn\u2019t mean you have to fall for them or live in fear. With a little know-how, some good habits and a healthy dose of skepticism, you can stay safe and connected in 2025, and for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consumer Cellular is here to help. Whether you’re looking for a simple, <\/strong>cost-friendly cellphone plan<\/strong><\/a> or want to learn more about protecting yourself online and on your phone from the latest scams going around, we\u2019re just a <\/strong>call or click away<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n And if you\u2019re looking for even more related resources\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Scammers online, on the phone or otherwise are getting sneakier, smarter and faster. With new technology in their corner by the day, they\u2019re cooking up convincing tricks to get your money, your personal info or both. If you\u2019ve ever received a suspicious text, an unexpected refund notice or a strange call from someone claiming to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":8543,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[13],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\r\nLatest Scams Going Around: Deepfake Videos<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Common Mobile Scams to Watch for in 2025<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Text Message Scams (Smishing)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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2. Phone Imposter Scams<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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3. Refund Scams<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
4. SIM Swapping & Port-Out Scams<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
5. Malicious Apps<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
6. QR Code Scams<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
7. Romance Scams & Investment Scams<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
How to Spot a Scam Before it\u2019s Too Late<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Watch for these scam red flags:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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How to Protect Yourself from the Latest Scams Going Around<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
2. Use Call Blocking or Filtering<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
3. Don\u2019t Share Personal Info Over Text or Call<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
4. Download Apps Only From Official Sources<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
5. Be Skeptical of Unusual QR Codes\u2014and Usual QR Codes in Public Places<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
6. Stay Up to Date<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
What to Do If You\u2019ve Been Targeted or Scammed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Secure Your Accounts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Contact Your Carrier<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Report the Scam<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Provider<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
FAQs: Latest Phone Scams in 2025<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Some of the newest scams include AI-generated text messages, cloned voice calls from loved ones, fake QR codes, SunPass toll text scams, and romance scams that often evolve into investment scams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Text message scams (also called smishing) are some of the most common scams in 2025. These include fake package delivery notices, toll violations or refund alerts designed to get you to click a malicious link.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Scammers send fake messages claiming you owe money for a toll, often something small like $2.10. The goal is to get you to click a fake payment link and enter your credit card info.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>These text scams claim someone sent you a condolences message, often with a link to \u201cview the card\u201d or message. The link may lead to malware or phishing sites trying to steal your information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Watch for red flags like unexpected calls, pressure to act fast or requests for money, codes or personal info. If you didn\u2019t initiate the call, it\u2019s best to be overly skeptical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Don\u2019t click any links or respond. Block the number, report it to your carrier and report the scam to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov<\/a>, and if needed, to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at https:\/\/www.ic3.gov\/PSA\/2024\/PSA241203<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Use multifactor authentication, install call-blocking features, avoid clicking unknown links and only download apps from trusted sources like the Apple App Store<\/a> or Google Play Store<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFinal Thoughts on the Latest Scams Going Around<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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