Scammers are getting smarter in 2025: Here’s what you need to know

Scammers are getting trickier every year. In 2025, scammers are using new technology and sneaky tactics to fool people. They pretend to be banks, government officials, even friends or family (social engineering). Some use fake videos and voices that sound like a real person you might know (deepfake technology). Others set up fake job offers or investment deals that seem too good to pass up.

Older adults are often targeted because scammers think they’re less familiar with digital tricks. But anyone can fall for these scams.

Below, we’ll explain some of the biggest scams happening so far in 2025, from how they work to what you can do to avoid them. We’ll also give you simple ways to protect yourself.

1. AI-Powered Phishing

Phishing scams have been around for years, but now they’re harder to spot. Scammers use artificial intelligence (AI) to write emails that look real. These emails might say there’s a problem with your bank account or that you’ve won a prize. If you click the link, you’ll be taken to a fake website that steals your information.

What to do: Never click on links in unexpected emails. If something seems off, call the company directly using their official website or phone number.

2. Fake Videos and Voices (Deepfake Scams)

Scammers can now create fake videos and voices that look and sound real. They might pretend to be your boss, a famous person, or even a family member. They use this trick to ask for money or personal details.

What to do: Be suspicious of unexpected video calls or messages asking for money. If something doesn’t feel right, double-check by calling the person on a trusted phone number.

3. Romance Scams

Scammers use dating apps and social media to trick people into fake relationships. They build trust, sometimes over weeks or months, and then ask for money. They may say they’re working overseas, in the military, or have a family emergency. Many people have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars to these scams.

What to do: Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person, even if you’ve known them online for several weeks or months. If a new online friend is asking for financial help, it’s likely a scam.

4. Fake Investment and Crypto Scams

Investment scams are everywhere, especially with cryptocurrency. Scammers promise big profits with little risk. They may show fake testimonials or even fake news stories featuring celebrities. Once you invest, the money disappears. Or sometimes, you will gain a large “return” for the first $100 or $1,000 you put in, but as soon as you deposit a larger amount, like $50,000, the money disappears.

What to do: Be skeptical of investments that sound too good to be true. Always check with a financial advisor before investing money.

5. Job Offer Scams

These scams target job seekers. Scammers post fake job listings or pretend to be recruiters. They ask for personal information or money for training. Some even send fake checks and ask you to send some money back before the check clears, or to purchase your work-from-home equipment from one of their trusted vendors. By the time you realize the check was fake, your money is gone.

What to do: If a job asks for money upfront, it’s a scam. If a job sends you a check and asks you to cash the check and purchase your equipment from a specific site using your own money, it is likely a scam. Always research companies before giving out personal details.

6. Fake IRS or Tax Scams

During tax season, scammers pretend to be the IRS. They call, email, or text saying you owe money and must pay immediately. They use threats to scare people into sending money.

What to do: The IRS will never demand payment over the phone. If you get a suspicious call, hang up and contact the IRS directly.

7. Grandparent Scams

This one is heartbreaking. Scammers call pretending to be a grandchild or family member in trouble. They might say they’ve been arrested or in an accident and need money fast. They’ll beg you not to tell anyone.

What to do: If you get a call like this, don’t panic. Hang up and call your family member directly to check.

8. Fake Social Media Profiles

Scammers create fake profiles of celebrities, businesspeople, or even your friends. They message people, pretending to be someone you know, and ask for money or personal details.

What to do: If someone you know suddenly messages you asking for money, be suspicious. Call them to make sure it’s really them.

Stay Safe – Trust Your Gut

Scammers are getting more advanced, but you don’t have to be a tech expert to stay safe. If something feels off, trust your instincts. Don’t rush into decisions. Hang up, log out, or take a moment to think before clicking anything or sending money.

Talk to family and friends about scams. If you get a suspicious message, report it to the right authorities.

The more people know, the harder it is for scammers to succeed. For more digital safety guides, check out our Resource Center or website.