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Taylor Swift tickets scam and other biggest frauds of 2024

Online scams have always existed, yet as technology evolves, online frauds are evolving with the help of AI. Cybercriminals take advantage of unsuspecting victims in various ways. For example, Taylor Swift’s tour has garnered massive media attention in the United Kingdom.

Since last year, all the tickets have been sold out. Still, many disappointed fans continued to pursue tickets online, especially on social media. This has resulted in over 600 people falling victim to online scams.

In this instance, the cybercriminals capitalized on the victim’s desperation. The familiarity of social media and the performing artist helped to build trust. The result was over 3,000 scams and a staggering one million pounds in damages to victims. This is a stark illustration of the devastating impact of online scams.

Fraud prevention agencies advise purchasing tickets to such events from authorized platforms online only. Still, cybercriminals nowadays can also pose as legitimate websites to fool victims. Read on to discover the biggest online scams in 2024 and how to stay safe online.

AI Scams

Cybercriminals are using AI at unprecedented rates to scam people online. One of the technologies they use is deepfake of famous people, like Rishi Sunak, the UK’s current prime minister. According to The Guardian, over 100 such deepfake videos surfaced online at the beginning of the year.

Bad actors use such tricks in investment scams, disinformation, and other malicious intents. Until people become more familiar with AI, bad actors will continue to find new ways to capitalize on it.

Scams Through QR Codes

Scammers also employ QR codes. In QR phishing or quishing, cybercriminals exploit QR codes to redirect victims to copycat sites. There, they deceive people into engaging in monthly subscriptions. 

For example, fake QR codes were used on parking meters. Drivers would unknowingly enter their personal details while being redirected to malicious websites. Then, the bad actors would infect their devices or steal their information. 

Fake Refunding Scams

Nowadays, people are used to paying for their utilities online. Cybercriminals have also caught onto this. They pose as legitimate suppliers to scam unsuspecting victims. For example, a hacker can use a similar email address and pose as your energy supplier, implying that you are eligible for a refund on your bills. 

Bad actors will send a malicious link or QR code or request bank details,  pretending to help people get a refund. Such new phishing attempts work because victims genuinely believe they are talking to their providers and fall prey.

Staying Safe Online

As these new types of scams emerge, staying safe online is more challenging. However, many of these scams rely on your personal information and the data you share across the web. Since so many websites collect your data, bad actors can learn how to entice or deceive you. Because of this, one of the best ways to remain safe online is to protect your data and try to stay anonymous. 

• Use a VPN to encrypt your data, hide your IP address, and regularly change your geolocation.

• Consider using a powerful antivirus tool. Update everything so your devices have no cybersecurity vulnerabilities. A VPN also has anti-tracker systems and other features that ensure online anonymity and privacy. 

• Always be vigilant while browsing online, and double-check every email you receive. Remember that legitimate entities will never ask for your personal details. For example, if you have a contact with an energy provider, they already have your banking details.

• If you are unsure whether an entity is legitimate, call them directly or visit their office to inquire about a possible fraud or scam attempt. 

• Lastly, always check the newest online fraud trends and cybersecurity tips. 

Understand precisely how cybercriminals operate and how they do it to be aware of the risks and to avoid them.