Scammers are getting smarter and faster. This month’s Fraud Watch highlights three fast-growing schemes that could impact anyone: job scams, fake ticket sales, and AI-generated voice cloning.
Whether you’re job hunting, buying event tickets, or answering a call from a familiar voice, it’s more important than ever to know how to spot red flags and protect yourself.
Job Scams
Fraudsters post fake job listings or pose as recruiters offering high-paying remote jobs. They will contact you through texts, calls, or job recruiting sites. Once they gain your trust, they may ask for personal information or upfront fees for equipment or training.
How to Protect Yourself:
Always research the company, never pay to apply or start a job, and be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.
Fake Ticket Scams
Scammers create fake websites or social media posts selling tickets to concerts, sports events, or festivals. Victims pay for tickets that never arrive or are invalid at the gate.
How to Protect Yourself:
Only buy tickets from official or verified vendors, and avoid deals that ask for payment through cash apps or wire transfers.
AI-Generated Voice Cloning
Using AI (artificial intelligence), scammers clone the voice of someone you know—like a family member or boss—and call with urgent requests for money or sensitive information.
How to Protect Yourself:
If something feels off, hang up and call the person back directly using a number you trust. Never act on pressure without verifying the request.
More Information About AI-Powered Fraud
Source of this month’s scam information:
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams
https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/22607-bbb-tip-ticket-scams
https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/03/scammers-using-ai-enhance-family-emergency-schemes