Online form builders such as Google Forms, JotForm, Typeform, and Microsoft Forms have become essential for businesses, schools, and individuals. They allow quick setup of surveys, payment forms, and applications. However, this same accessibility has created an opening for scammers.
A Facebook page posing as the Francoise Meyers Foundation recently attempted to join a community crime watch group I run so I decided to do a little research into the topic of Charity Scams. The page claims to be a nonprofit tied to Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, the L’Oréal heiress.
Artificial intelligence is being sold as today’s miracle cure. Just like the snake oil peddlers of the 1800s who promised bottled tonics to cure everything from headaches to heart disease, modern scammers now sell “AI magic.” Today, the hype comes wrapped in slick websites, flashy emails, free trials, and promises of instant growth.
Pension scams target retirement savings globally, exploiting trust with promises of high returns, early access, or fraudulent investment schemes. These scams often involve identity theft, impersonation, or deceptive offers, costing victims billions annually.
Fake traffic fine notices are on the rise. Once seen mostly in the United States, similar scams are now appearing in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. These schemes rely on urgency and fear, convincing drivers to pay quickly before checking if the fine is real.
I recently stumbled across a post in a group I follow regarding a scam targeting job seekers. Someone had shared their experience receiving a job offer from a supposed recruiter at a multinational company.
When major corporations are held accountable in court, consumers often find relief in the form of class action settlements. These payouts may provide reimbursement for data breaches, unfair charges, or defective products. But increasingly, scammers are turning these moments of consumer protection into new opportunities for fraud.
On a quiet evening in Ontario, John M., a 30-year-old construction worker, accepted what appeared to be a harmless Facebook friend request. Within minutes, he received a message from the new contact claiming he had just received $50,000 from Facebook as part of a compensation program.
For many aspiring models, influencers, and creatives, social media represents hope for a path to opportunity, fame, and career success. Dreams of walking the runway, starring in campaigns, or building a professional portfolio can feel within reach. Scammers know this.
Fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes are no longer limited to obscure websites or isolated email campaigns.