Most dangerous scams in 2025: How to protect yourself from them

Technological advancements have led to increasingly sophisticated digital scams, putting users’ online security at risk. In this article, we analyze the most dangerous scams of 2025, from deepfake fraud to investment scams, and provide the best strategies to protect yourself from these threats.

Types of Most Dangerous Scams

In 2025, technological advancements in areas like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and digital communication platforms have led to impressive breakthroughs. However, this rapid evolution has also been exploited by cybercriminals to create even more sophisticated scams. The methods used to deceive users have become increasingly complex and harder to identify, putting the security of millions of people online at risk.

Below, we explore the most dangerous scams affecting users in 2025 and how you can effectively protect yourself from them.

1. Identity Theft via Deepfakes

Identity theft has been a common problem for a long time, but the rise of deepfakes has changed how criminals carry out these frauds. Deepfakes are an advanced AI technique that can create highly realistic but entirely fake images, audios, or videos. Cybercriminals have started using this technology to create videos or audios that appear to be from people close to the victims or even public figures. They use these mediums to manipulate victims into giving away money or confidential information.

Recent case: In Segovia, Spain, a fraudster cloned the voice of Bishop Jesús Vidal using a fake recording to request 2,200 euros from several priests, under the false pretense that it was needed to process a fake inheritance.

Recommendation: If you receive unusual requests from people you know, especially asking for money or sensitive information, verify their authenticity through another communication channel before taking any action. Additionally, be suspicious of urgent requests that require quick actions.

---

2. Personalized Fraudulent Messages

With the help of artificial intelligence, scammers can now send highly personalized messages that mimic the communication style of familiar people or legitimate companies. These fraudulent messages often include links to malicious websites that attempt to steal personal information or redirect victims to phishing pages. They can come in the form of emails, text messages, or even communications through social media.

Recommendation: If you receive a message asking for personal or financial information, be immediately suspicious. Always verify the sender’s email address and, if you receive text messages, avoid clicking on suspicious links. Never provide your personal credentials through these channels.

---

3. Cloned Ads on Search Engines

Cybercriminals are also using sophisticated methods to lure victims to fraudulent websites that mimic legitimate businesses like Amazon. One of the most common ways is through cloned ads that appear in the top search results on search engines like Google. These ads may seem entirely legitimate, but clicking on them directs users to fraudulent websites that steal personal or financial information.

Recommendation: Before making an online purchase, always verify the website’s URL and look for authenticity signals such as security certificates (HTTPS) and reviews from other users. If an ad looks suspicious, it’s better to search directly on the official website of the store rather than clicking on the link.

---

4. Scams on Messaging Apps

Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram have become prime platforms for scammers due to their massive use. There are various types of scams within these platforms. Some of the most common ones include:

• Fake Technical Support: Scammers pose as support staff from messaging apps, asking for verification codes or credentials to “protect” your account.
• Fraudulent Job Offers: In some cases, cybercriminals send attractive job offers that require an initial payment or the provision of confidential personal information.

Recommendation: Never share your verification codes or credentials via message. Always verify the authenticity of job offers before making any decisions. If someone requests personal information through these channels, it’s a clear warning sign.

---

5. Investment Frauds

The rise of cryptocurrencies and other online investments has led to a significant increase in investment-related scams. Cybercriminals use increasingly sophisticated techniques, such as deepfake impersonation of public figures, to promote fake investment opportunities. Victims, attracted by promises of high returns, are directed to fraudulent websites that mimic legitimate platforms. After making an initial deposit, they lose all contact with the company, resulting in significant financial losses.

Recommendation: Be cautious of any offer promising guaranteed returns and pressuring you to make quick payments. Always verify the legitimacy of an investment platform by consulting official sources, and never invest in websites or platforms that are not properly regulated.

---

6. Scams via Fake QR Codes

QR codes have gained popularity due to their convenience, but scammers also use them as a means to steal personal information or install malware on devices. These codes, often sent via email, text message, or even displayed in public places, can redirect users to malicious pages without their knowledge.

Recommendation: Always ensure that the QR code comes from a trusted source. After scanning it, check the URL before providing any personal information. If the link seems suspicious or unexpected, do not interact with it.

---

7. Automated Extortion Scams

Extortion scams have also become more sophisticated thanks to artificial intelligence. Cybercriminals now use automated systems to generate personalized extortion messages, appealing to victims’ emotions and requesting large sums of money or sensitive information. These messages may include threats of physical harm or the release of compromising information, although in many cases, there is no basis for the threats.

Recommendation: If you receive an extortion message, the best approach is to stay calm and not respond immediately. Verify the authenticity of the threat, and if necessary, contact authorities to investigate the case.

---

How to Protect Yourself in the Digital Environment of 2025

To protect yourself from these threats, it’s essential to adopt a series of good practices that can make the difference between being a victim or maintaining your online security.

1. Verify the Authenticity of Communications: Before providing any sensitive information or making payments, make sure the request comes from a legitimate source.
2. Stay Informed: It’s important to follow reliable sources that report the latest scams and methods used by cybercriminals. This way, you’ll be better prepared to identify and prevent potential threats.
3. Educate Your Surroundings: Share this knowledge with friends and family so they can also be protected from these threats.
4. Use Security Tools: Installing antivirus software and keeping your devices updated is crucial for protecting against malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats.
5. Pay Attention to Details: Many frauds can be avoided by paying attention to details such as grammatical errors, urgent messages, or unusual payment requests.

Conclusion

Prevention and education are your best allies in avoiding digital scams. Stay alert, follow these recommendations, and share this knowledge to create a safer online community.

If you have fallen victim to any of these scams and need help protecting your online reputation, feel free to contact us. At RepScan, we specialize in harmful content removal and digital reputation management, so we can guide you and act quickly to minimize the impact.