Top Internet Scams to Watch Out for in 2025
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Deepfake Scams
- Technical Methods: Using AI to generate realistic voices, images, or videos, impersonating friends, relatives, or public officials (such as police officers or bank customer service) to commit fraud. For example, someone might fake the voice of a boss or family member and request a money transfer.
- Prevention Tips: For requests involving financial transactions, always verify the identity of the other party by phone or in person; avoid relying solely on voice or video verification.
Virtual Currency and High-Yield Financial Scams
- Technical Methods: Victims are lured with promises of high returns under the guise of "virtual currency investment" or "metaverse projects." The "TikTok store with over 10,000 yuan in monthly income" mentioned on page 7 is an example of this type of scam.
- Typical sales pitches: "Guaranteed high returns," "Insider information," and "Limited quota."
Prevention Tips: Be wary of investment projects on non-legitimate platforms. Avoid scanning unfamiliar QR codes or clicking on unidentified links. Verify the platform's credentials before investing.
IoT and Smart Device Ransomware
- Technical Methods: Hackers take control of smart home devices (such as cameras and door locks), threaten to expose privacy or damage devices, and demand a ransom.
- Typical Case: Hackers take control of smart home appliances and threaten users to pay a ransom.
Prevention Tips: Regularly update device firmware, set complex passwords, and disable unnecessary remote control functions.
Technical Methods
- Impersonating e-commerce, bank, or insurance customer service representatives to trick users into making transactions with claims of "abnormal charges" or "refunds."
- False claims of "flight cancellations requiring rescheduling" to defraud fees.
Prevention Tips: Conduct all service operations through official apps or by phone; do not click on links in text messages.
New Technology Scenarios
- Genetic Information Fraud: Using "genetic test reports" as a cover to promote fake health products or services.
- Metaverse Fraud: Setting up fake trading platforms or investment projects in the virtual world and absconding with funds.