Most Common Fraud Risks of 2025

Leah Anne Brooks |
Categories
Digital Security

As we move into 2025, it's important to understand the risks of fraud and how to protect ourselves. Fraudsters are always coming up with new ways to trick people, especially as we spend more time online. Fraud can hurt both people’s money and their personal information. Let's look at some of the most common fraud risks for this year and how we can stay safe.

1. Phishing and Social Engineering Scams

Phishing is when someone tries to trick you into giving them personal information like your password or credit card number. They might send you an email or a text that looks real, asking you to click a link or give them information. Sometimes they pretend to be someone you know or a company you trust.

How to Stay Safe:
  • Be careful about opening emails or clicking links from people you don’t know.
  • If someone asks for personal information, make sure to check with them in another way, like calling the company.
  • Never share passwords or sensitive information unless you’re sure it’s safe.

2. Identity Theft

Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information, like your name or Social Security number, to pretend to be you. They might use your information to open fake accounts or steal your money. This is very serious because it can affect your credit and cause a lot of trouble.

How to Stay Safe:
  • Check your bank and credit card statements regularly to make sure there are no charges you don’t recognize.
  • Use strong passwords for your online accounts and change them regularly.
  • If you notice anything suspicious, contact the company or your bank right away.

3. Investment Scams

Some fraudsters try to trick people into investing money in fake opportunities. They might promise you huge returns on your investment or say that there is little to no risk. But, these deals are often just a scam to take your money. They can also use things like cryptocurrency and online investments to trick people.

How to Stay Safe:
  • Be careful of any investment that promises “too good to be true” returns.
  • Do your research before making any investment. Check if the company is registered and trustworthy.
  • Never invest money if you don’t understand how it works.
  • You should never have to pay for a real cash reward. If they ask you for money before you receive your “award,” your answer should be no.

4. Romance Scams (Especially for People 55 and Older)

Romance scams are when someone pretends to be in love with you online, only to ask for money. They might seem very kind and caring, but after gaining your trust, they’ll come up with a reason for why they need money, often in an emergency. This type of scam is especially common for older adults.

How to Stay Safe:
  • Don’t send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
  • If you start a relationship online, make sure to talk to your family or friends about it.
  • Be careful if someone you just met online is asking for money, no matter how convincing their story seems.

5. Ransomware and Cybercrime

Ransomware is a type of fraud where criminals lock your computer or files and ask for money to unlock them. This can happen if you download a bad file or click on a bad link. They might also steal your personal information and use it for their own gain.

How to Stay Safe:
  • Make sure your computer’s software is always up to date.
  • Don’t open emails or click links from people you don’t trust.
  • Back up your important files so that if something happens, you won’t lose them.

Conclusion: Protect Yourself in 2025

Fraud is a serious problem that affects everyone. Whether you’re dealing with phishing, identity theft, investment scams, or ransomware, it’s important to stay aware of these risks. People aged 55 and older should be especially careful of romance scams, which can be very harmful emotionally and financially.

To stay safe, remember to always think before you share personal information, and make sure to double-check anything that seems suspicious. Your information is valuable, and taking a few extra steps to protect it can save you from a lot of trouble. Stay informed, stay safe, and always trust your instincts!

Please feel free to call us if you are unsure of a transaction or if something seems off or too good to be true. We are always happy to talk through it with you!