Security | Threat Detection | Cyberattacks | DevSecOps | Compliance

Fraud is everywhere. From phishing emails to fake investment schemes, scams have become an unfortunate part of our digital lives. However, one type of fraud that strikes fear across the board, affecting both individuals and businesses, is card and payment fraud. Unlike other scams, this one hit directly where it hurts: your money.

Sim swapping scams have exponentially increased in recent years, with the FBI reporting approximately $25.9 million in losses from 800 reported cases in 2024 alone. This increase isn’t just about money but represents a fundamental vulnerability in how we secure our digital lives. Scammers try to hijack your phone number by convincing your mobile provider to transfer your number to their device.

Inheritance scams are deceptive tactics used by fraudsters to lure unsuspecting victims with promises of substantial wealth. These scams typically involve false claims of inheritance from unknown individuals or distant relatives, accompanied by requests for fees or personal data for funds to be released. Many victims succumbed to these schemes due to the emotional appeal of unexpected fortune, urgency created by scammers, and the presentation of seemingly legitimate documents of stories.

Researchers at Bitdefender warn of a wave of social engineering attacks targeting WhatsApp accounts. The attacks begin with automated phone calls that instruct users to add a specific phone number to their WhatsApp contacts. The call then ends abruptly. The scammers are doing this to gather potential targets for future attacks. Most people will ignore the calls, but those who do add the number to their contacts will be more likely to fall for additional social engineering attacks.

Online scams are getting smarter—and harder to detect. Learn why AI-powered protection is essential in 2025, and how Avast Scam Guardian helps keep you safe from phishing, fake sites, and fraud—free for everyone. In a world where technology keeps us connected, informed, and entertained, it also creates new opportunities for scammers to sneak into our digital lives.