Smart Cents

With technology evolving, scammers are upping their game. Here are some standout fraud trends for 2026.

Impersonation Scams 

Romance, Affinity, or ‘Pig Butchering’ Scams

These scams share one thing: someone posing as a friend or romantic interest online. Over time, they build trust before urging you to invest in a fake opportunity or rush into sending funds for a supposed emergency.

Deep Fake Impersonations

Advances in AI now let scammers create convincing fake audio and video of celebrities, friends, or loved ones. They use these to push bogus products or ask for money for an emergency situation. 

Organization or Entity Impersonations

Scammers send emails, texts, or make calls pretending to be trusted organizations like your bank, tax agency, or UPS. Their aim is to trick you into sharing personal details or even empty your account by claiming there's a fraud alert or a fee to clear a charge.

Investment Scams

Crypto and other Digital Asset Fraud

According to the Idaho Department of Finance, unregulated online securities were a significant share of fraud investigations in 2024. These schemes lure investors in with vague promises of huge returns on cryptocurrency and other digital money.

Fake AI Equity Schemes

Fraudsters sell stock in fake companies by using AI-generated return models to lure investors into buying shares.

Investment Fraud & Social Media

Scammers use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X to promote ‘get rich quick’ content that leads to the scammers making off with your money or your personal information.

Sorry Wrong Number Ploy

You get a call that is a wrong number, but while you are on the line you get a pitch for a great investment opportunity that will end up being fake.

Unlicensed Investments Companies

A classic scam with an AI twist—fraudsters pose as legitimate financial advisors to steal your hard-earned money. They use AI to create legitimate looking credentials or websites. Always verify their legitimacy and licensing using trusted tools like FINRAs BrokerCheck®.

Faking Legitimate Websites

Using AI, scammers can now swiftly spoof well-known websites. They may look legit, but when you attempt to check out, you won’t receive your order, and your payment details—whether it's your credit card, debit card, or PayPal—could be compromised. Fraudsters also use these tactics to mimic financial institution or government sites. Always double-check the URL before entering any personal or payment information; if it looks off or has extra letters, it's likely a scam site.

How to Avoid Online Scams?

• If it’s too good to be true, it’s a scam: Trust your gut—avoid get-rich schemes, strangers you've never met in person, and anyone who insists you keep an opportunity secret.
• Don’t let anyone rush you: Scammers thrive on creating false urgency. If you're on a call and something feels off, hang up and independently verify the organization's number. For example, if someone threatens arrest unless you pay a fine, contact your local law enforcement to confirm—it's likely a scam.
• Be Cautious with Your Money and Personal Info: Scammers are always on the hunt. Take time to question unusual requests and learn the signs of a scam to help avoid fraud.
• Scammers Have set Payment Methods: Like gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps and once you pay using these methods, it’s nearly impossible to get your money back.

If you think you’ve been scammed check out these next steps for protecting yourself.

Create a plan for avoiding fraud with the Federal Trade Commission’s Avoid Fraud Action Plan.