Fraudsters use a variety of methods to deceive people and organizations to gain access to money, data, or confidential information. These methods are constantly being improved as technology advances. Let's look at the main methods used in the modern world:
1. Phishing
Description: Fraudsters create fake websites, letters or messages, posing as legitimate organizations (banks, online stores, social networks).
Purpose: To obtain logins, passwords, bank card details or other confidential information.
Examples:
Fake letters from "support service" asking to confirm data.
Links to fake websites that look like real ones.
2. Hacking accounts
Description: Hackers gain access to accounts through stolen passwords, brute force, or system vulnerabilities.
Purpose: Access financial data, personal information or accounts.
Methods:
Using weak or compromised passwords.
Data theft through malware (e.g. keyloggers).
3. Social engineering
Description: Manipulating people to obtain confidential information.
Purpose: To force the victim to voluntarily provide data or perform actions.
Examples:
Calls from "bank employees" asking to provide the code from the SMS.
Personal meetings or telephone conversations where the fraudster poses as a trusted person.
4. Skimming
Description: Installation of devices on ATMs or POS terminals to intercept card data.
Purpose: To clone cards and use them for fraudulent transactions.
Examples:
Bluetooth skimmers for remote data collection.
Attachable devices for card readers.
5. Malware
Description: Programs that are installed on computers or phones to steal data.
Purpose: Interception of passwords, card data or other confidential information.
Examples:
Trojans (e.g. Zeus, Emotet).
Spyware for monitoring user activities.
6. SIM jacking
Description: Taking control of the victim's SIM card by contacting the mobile operator with fake documents.
Purpose: Gaining access to SMS messages, including one-time codes for two-factor authentication.
Examples:
Attacks on cryptocurrency wallets.
Hacking bank accounts.
7. Carding
Description: Using stolen bank card data for purchases or withdrawal of money.
Purpose: Carrying out illegal transactions.
Methods:
Creating clones of cards.
Purchasing goods online using stolen data.
8. Brute force and password cracking
Description: Automated attempt to guess the password to the account.
Purpose: Gaining access to accounts.
Methods:
Using dictionaries or password generators.
Attacks on systems with poor security.
9. Deepfake
Description: Using artificial intelligence to create realistic fake video or audio.
Purpose: To deceive people by posing as someone else.
Examples:
Fake videos of company executives for fraud.
Fake voice messages asking for money.
10. NFC skimming
Description: Interception of data from contactless cards via NFC technology.
Purpose: Cloning cards or making illegal transactions.
Methods:
Using special devices to read data.
Attacks on terminals supporting contactless payments.
11. Cryptocurrency Scams
Description: Scamming users to get cryptocurrency.
Purpose: Theft of funds or data.
Examples:
Fake ICOs (Initial Coin Offerings).
Attacks on wallets via phishing or malware.
12. Caller ID Spoofing
Description: Change the caller ID to look like a trusted organization.
Goal: To make the victim believe that the call is legitimate.
Examples:
Calls from the "bank" asking to confirm data.
Messages about winning prizes or having to pay a fine.
13. Darknet Scams
Description: Using the darknet to sell stolen data, software or services.
Goal: To make money through illegal activities.
Examples:
Sale of card databases (CVV, numbers).
Providing services for hacking or bypassing protection.
14. Investment fraud
Description: Cheating people to get money under the guise of profitable investments.
Goal: To attract funds that then disappear.
Examples:
Pyramids and financial schemes.
Fake platforms for trading stocks or cryptocurrency.
15. Delivery Fraud
Description: Cheating users through fake websites or delivery services.
Goal: To receive advance payment for non-existent goods.
Examples:
Fake stores with low prices.
False notifications of parcels with demands for payment.
16. Fraud with guarantees and returns
Description: Deceiving companies in order to obtain money for non-existent goods or services.
Purpose: To return money for an item that was not purchased.
Examples:
Counterfeit checks or receipts.
Complaints about non-existent problems with the product.
17. Rental Scams
Description: Cheating tenants or landlords through fake ads.
Goal: To receive an advance payment for non-existent housing.
Examples:
Fake ads on popular platforms.
Requirement to transfer money before viewing the apartment.
Conclusion
Fraudsters are constantly adapting to new technologies and changing conditions. To protect yourself from them, it is important to follow these rules:
Use complex passwords and two-factor authentication.
Be careful with suspicious links, emails and calls.
Check your bills and statements regularly.
Educate yourself and your loved ones about the basics of cybersecurity.
Fraudsters are constantly improving their methods of deception, but most attacks come down to a few key schemes. Here are the current methods for 2025, with an explanation of how they work and how to protect yourself:
1. Social engineering
A. Fishing
How it works:
Fake emails/SMS (“Your bank account is blocked!”) with links to fake websites.
The victim enters the login, password, and CVV code of the card.
Example: Letter “from Bank” with a request to “confirm the transaction”.
Fraudsters use a variety of methods to deceive people, and their approaches are constantly evolving. Here are the main categories and examples of methods they use:
1. Internet fraud
Phishing: Fraudsters send fake emails or messages that look like official requests from banks, social networks, or other organizations. The goal is to gain access to personal data, passwords, or bank accounts.
Romance Scams: Fraudsters create fake profiles on dating sites to trick victims into giving them money by playing on their emotions.
Fake Wins: Messages claiming to have won a lottery or prize that requires "taxes" or "fees" to be paid.
2. Telephone fraud
Calls from "banks": Fraudsters pose as bank employees and convince the victim to provide card details or codes from SMS, supposedly to protect the account.
"Relative in Trouble" Messages: Fraudsters call and report that a loved one has been in an accident or is at the police station, and demand money to "solve the problem."
3. Bank fraud
Skimming: Using special devices to read data from bank cards through ATMs or terminals.
Fake Transfers: Scammers send fake transfer notifications and demand the return of money that did not actually happen.
4. Social engineering
Trust manipulation: Fraudsters use psychological tricks to get the victim to voluntarily provide confidential information or money.
Fake Jobs: Work-from-home offers with advance payment for "materials" or "training" that turn out to be scams.
5. Fraud with goods and services
Fake Online Stores: Creating websites where customers pay for products that are never delivered.
Advance Fee Fraud: Requesting advance payment for services or goods that will not be provided.
6. Investment fraud
Pyramids and Ponzi schemes: Promise of high profits by attracting new participants rather than real investments.
