GOOGLE has warned phone users of five bank-raiding texts sent by crooks.
Cybercriminals are using a diverse set of tactics to prey on customers.
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It comes amid a recent Federal Trade Commission data which found that Google’s reported fraud losses jumped 25% to $12.5 billion (£10.5 billion) in 2024.
“Scammers are more effective and act without fear of punishment when people are uninformed about fraud and scam tactics,” Google warned.
Customer support scams
Scammers trick customers by impersonating representatives from prominent companies.
They prey on anxieties around safety and IT issues to access sensitive information.
It’s important to double check the number which has called you is legitimate before proceeding with the call.
Malvertizing
Some scammers use fake online ads to spread malware.
Google researchers say that scammers are increasingly targeting more sophisticated users, including people with valuable online assets, like crypto wallets, and social media influencers.
To swat away the offers, make sure you’re being extra careful when anyone offers free versions of licenced software.
Fake travel websites
As more and more Brits book their sun-soaked getaways, criminals are licking their lips.
Scammers present themselves as genuine travel agencies or hotels before offering holidaymakers package deals on summer getaways.
Just make sure you’re arranging your itinerary with reputable hotels and airlines.
Package-tracking scams
Cybercriminals are also masquerading as legitimate courier outfits and online retailers.
The shameless crooks trick buyers into paying eye-watering add-on fees to speed up the delivery time.
If you’re expecting a package, go straight to the delivery company’s site to check the status.
Toll road scams
With many toll roads operating a cash free system, opportunists are filling motorists’ inboxes with phoney texts demanding they pay for unpaid tolls.
If you think the fee demand is genuine, get in touch with the company itself before you hand over the cash.
And remember not to click on links from unknown phone numbers or emails.
TIME TO TRY PASSKEYS?
Here’s what security expert Chris Hauk, Consumer Privacy Advocate at Pixel Privacy, told The Sun…
“Passwords are both hard to remember and in most cases, easy to guess.
“I would venture to say that most users (especially older users) will reuse passwords, simply because of all of the websites and apps that require sign-ins.
“While password managers do help, they are at best, a stopgap measure and do not offer full-ranging security for your login information.
“Passkeys offer the advantage of eliminating the need to enter an email address and password to log in.
“This is especially handy when users are logging in on an iPhone or Android device.
“Passkeys have multiple advantages over passwords. Passkeys cannot be shared or guessed.
“Passkeys are unique to the website or app they are created for, so they cannot be used to login elsewhere like a reused password can.
“Plus, passkeys cannot be stolen in a data breach, as the passkeys are not stored on the company’s servers.
“But are instead are a private key stored only on your device, where biometric authentication (like face ID or Touch ID) is required to use the passkey.”
Image credit: Getty
