Frauds, Scams and Swindles: How to Protect Yourself and React!

Scams evolve every year, taking advantage of new technologies and human vulnerabilities. By 2025, several types of fraud have become widespread.

Discover the 6 main threats, solutions to protect yourself, and what to do if you are a victim.

Abuse, Deception and Embezzlement: How to Protect Yourself and React in Case of Victimization!

With the rise of digital technology, fraudsters are becoming increasingly ingenious in trapping their victims. Fictitious investments, fake technical support, and even identity theft are scams that are spreading rapidly. It is therefore essential to be vigilant against scams!

Here are the six most common abuses this year, along with solutions to protect yourself and steps to take if you become a victim:

1. Fake Investment Scams (Crypto, NFT, Trading)

How does it work?
– Scammers offer investments promising high, guaranteed returns. They use fraudulent platforms and fake testimonials to attract investors.

How to protect yourself?
– Check the licenses of platforms (AMF, FCA, SEC).
– Be wary of promises of excessive returns.
– Never invest under pressure.

What to do if you are a victim?
– File a complaint and report the platform to the FCA or SEC.
– Contact your bank to try to recover the funds.
– Ignore offers to “recover” your money, which are often further scams.

2. Fraud Involving Fake Technical Support

How does it work?
– You receive a call or message about a problem with your device. The scammers ask you to install software to take control of your device and steal your bank details.

How to protect yourself?
– Never call a number displayed in a pop-up alert.
– Contact the official support of the concerned company directly.
– Never install software at the request of a stranger.

What to do if you are a victim?
– Disconnect your computer from the Internet.
– Change your passwords immediately.
– File a complaint and report the scam to cybersecurity authorities.

3. Fake Teleworking Job Scam

How does it work?
– Scammers offer well-paid, easy work. In reality, they use your identity for money laundering or ask for registration fees.

How to protect yourself?
– Check the company on professional networks.
– Be wary of offers without interviews or requiring payments.
– Never share your banking details before signing a legal contract.

What to do if you are a victim?
– Stop communication with the scammers.
– Report the fraudulent offer.
– File a complaint.

4. Fake Delivery or Tax SMS Scam

How does it work?
– You receive a text asking you to pay fees or update your tax info via a fraudulent link.

How to protect yourself?
– Never click on suspicious links.
– Always check through the official website.
– Activate two-factor authentication.

What to do if you are a victim?
– Contact your bank immediately.
– File a complaint and report the message.
– Monitor your accounts.

5. Identity Theft on Social Networks

How does it work?
– Fraudsters create a fake profile using your photos to scam your contacts.

How to protect yourself?
– Limit public sharing of personal information.
– Activate two-factor authentication.
– Check your account’s privacy settings.

What to do if you are a victim?
– Report the fake profile.
– Warn your contacts.
– File a complaint for identity theft.

6. Fake Real Estate Investor Scam

How does it work?
– A fake buyer asks for administrative or insurance fees before finalizing a property sale.

How to protect yourself?
– Never pay before signing at the notary.
– Check the buyer’s identity and references.
– Be cautious with foreign payments.

What to do if you are a victim?
– Report the scam on platforms.
– File a complaint.
– Notify your real estate agency.

Conclusion

Scams in 2025 are increasingly sophisticated, exploiting technologies and trust. Vigilance, verifying sources, and caution remain the best ways to protect yourself. When in doubt, report attempted fraud immediately and consult the relevant authorities.

Article by : René Ronse | Review guidelines | Review consultants
About the author: René Ronse, manager of ArnaqueOuFiable.com. Expert in consumer cybersecurity, specialist in detecting online fraud, product transparency, and digital compliance. He has over 20 years of experience analyzing hidden subscription mechanisms, unreadable terms and conditions, aggressive sales tactics, and deceptive commercial practices on the web.
Last updated on 21 July 2025.
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