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Tag: Scammers

How to not fall in love with AI-powered romance scammers
“Love is blind” takes on a more sinister meaning when so-called artificial intelligence (AI) becomes a tool for exploiting our deepest human emotions.

Convincing AI technologies are increasingly targeting mature online daters, turning fantasies into lucrative and dangerous criminal enterprises.

Illustration of a romance scam (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

AI is helping criminals create convincing personas

Romance scams have become the most common type of fraud in 2025 and have swindled would-be lovers out of over $1.3 billion in the United States alone. Just last year, the world heard the cautionary tale of a 53-year-old French woman who lost $850,000 to a convincing AI deepfake of Brad Pitt.

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The scammers had wooed her for over 8 months with realistic (yet fake) images, voice calls, videos and even multiple social media accounts. Similarly, a 67-year-old from San Diego was tricked out of her life savings when an AI impostor gang posed as Keanu Reeves, also raising awareness about romance scams impacting the elderly. The worst side of both stories is that the fraudsters haven’t been caught, and the victims’ financial institutions did little to help them recover their funds.

Illustration of a romance scam (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Can you really blame the victims for ‘falling for it’?

AI-powered romance scams have become far more sophisticated than “traditional” scams. Criminals use a variety of AI tools together with advanced tactics to create deeply personalized and remarkably realistic digital identities. Unlike traditional scams relying on generic scripts, these AI-powered approaches can generate nuanced, contextually appropriate conversations that adapt in real time to victims’ emotional state and personal background. In short, romance scams have become so dangerous because they use multiple advanced methods.
- They use your personal data to identify psychological vulnerabilities through conversational analysis. They might know your friends’ names, your job, interests or personal details.
- They deploy targeted emotional manipulation techniques that are unique to each person they target.
- They create dynamic, seemingly personal storylines that incrementally build trust and “remember” details about conversations.
AI-driven romance conversations are increasingly challenging for both victims and traditional anti-fraud mechanisms to detect. Spotting and preventing these scams can be tricky, but privacy experts recommend some tried-and-true ways.

Illustration of a romance scam (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Here’s how you can spot the red flags of a romance scam

Spotting and preventing these sophisticated AI-driven scams can be tricky, but staying informed can help you avoid becoming a victim. By being vigilant, verifying identities and recognizing red flags, you can navigate online dating safely while protecting your finances and personal information. Here are some things to look out for:
- Too much love. They “love-bomb” too early in conversations
- They’re too perfect or too tailored to you in their background, job history or personal details. Fraudsters often present the perfect picture of what you want and avoid disagreeing with you
- They avoid in-person meetings and/or have convincing excuses for why they can’t meet or have a video call
- They lack real reactions. While AI-powered deepfakes are convincing, they still struggle to react naturally to more human interactions: jokes, surprises, exclamations, throat-clearing, coughing, etc.
- Demanding money early, especially for family emergencies, medical events or business ideas. Never send money transfers, gift cards or financial information to someone you have not met in person
Illustration of a romance scam (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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What to do if you think it might be a scam
- Ask a friend or family member: Getting an outside perspective can help you see warning signs you might have overlooked
- Report the profile or scammer: Online dating apps and social media have built-in reporting features to warn against fraud. If the account disappears soon after your report, it’s likely that the account was fake. If you think you’re a victim of scamming, go to the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) website here and report the scammer. The steps for reporting a scam are pretty straightforward, and the FTC will immediately send out alerts to law enforcement to help with investigating the scammers. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau and file a report with them 24/7
- Contact your bank: If you sent money to the scammer and want to get it back, you should immediately contact your bank or credit/debit card company and report it as fraud. The representatives will then walk you through the steps to get your money reimbursed
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- Contact the gift card company: If you sent a gift card to the scammer, make sure you keep the receipt and report the scam to the gift card company. The representatives there may be able to help you, and it will also help them be aware of scammers using their gift cards for fraud
- Visit IdentityTheft.gov: If you gave out personal information like a Social Security number, follow the steps at IdentityTheft.gov. You’ll be able to make a report there, and the website will help you create a recovery plan and walk you through each step of gaining your identity back
- Use Identity theft protection: If you want a service that will walk you through every step of the reporting and recovery process, one of the best things you can do to protect yourself from this type of fraud is to subscribe to an identity theft service. Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. One of the best parts of identity theft protection services, is that they have identity theft insurance of up to $1 million to cover losses and legal fees and a white-glove fraud resolution team where a U.S.-based case manager helps you recover any losses. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft
- Have strong antivirus software on all your devices: This story is also another reminder to always have good antivirus software running on your devices, as romance scams can also entail email and text communications asking the victim to click a link. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices
Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson offers his advice to avoid romance scams. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Make it difficult for a romance scammer to target you

Your personal information is a scammer’s best tool. This includes your phone number, email and other contact details that allow them to reach you, as well as information like the celebrities you follow, your family members and even the type of content you engage with online to tailor the perfect attack. As scams become more sophisticated and reliant on loads of data, it’s more important than ever to take proactive measures to safeguard your personal information.

1. Vigilance in online dating: In the digital world, not everyone is who they claim to be. Be wary of potential romantic interests who ask for money or gifts or those who want to move the relationship along too quickly. Keep your personal and financial information private and never share it with someone you haven’t met in person.

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2. Verify the identity: Request additional information or proof to verify their identity, such as video chatting or meeting in person if possible. Exercise caution before getting emotionally invested in someone you haven’t met in real life.

3. Research and verify: Conduct an online search using the person’s name, email address or phone number to see if any suspicious or fraudulent activities are associated with them. Reverse image search their profile pictures to check if they are stolen from elsewhere on the internet. You can also reverse-search their phone number for free by following the instructions found here.

4. Privacy settings: Keep your social media profiles private so only those you trust can see what’s going on in your life.

5. Limit sharing: Adjust the privacy settings on all of your online accounts and apps to limit data collection and sharing.

6. Use reputable dating platforms: Stick to well-known and reputable dating websites or apps with security measures to help protect their users from scams. These platforms often have guidelines for safe online dating and report suspicious users.

7. Invest in personal information removal services: I highly recommend you remove your personal information that can be found on various people search sites across the web. If you give someone your email address or phone number, they could potentially reverse-search your information and get your home address. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

Kurt’s key takeaways

AI-powered romance scams have become a serious threat, exploiting our deepest emotions for financial gain. As you navigate the digital dating landscape, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and protect yourself from these sophisticated schemes. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts, take things slow and always prioritize your safety and financial well-being.

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How has the rise of AI-powered romance scams changed your approach to online dating or your views on digital relationships? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
February 12, 2025
Microsoft Teams is becoming a prime target for sophisticated scammers

If there is one corporation that is targeted by scammers more than anyone else, it is Microsoft. From customer support scams to impersonation and phishing attacks, the company’s services are constantly under threat. Recently, even Russia-sponsored hackers managed to breach Microsoft and steal sensitive information.

While Microsoft services as a whole are prime targets, one that stands out is Teams. The collaboration tool is used by more than 300 million people worldwide, making it a goldmine for attackers. Hackers are using it to spread phishing, vishing and quishing campaigns, relying on social engineering tactics to trick victims into sharing private and sensitive data.

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Microsoft Teams app on home screen of smartphone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The rising attacks on Microsoft Teams users

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting Microsoft Teams users with sophisticated attack methods. One such technique involves malicious GIF images that exploit worm-like vulnerabilities, allowing attackers to take over accounts and infiltrate chat sessions when the image is opened.

Hackers also insert malware-laden files into chat threads, tricking users into downloading DLL files that enable system takeover. Phishing campaigns leverage compromised accounts or domains to send deceptive invitations, luring victims into downloading harmful files.

Some attackers use email bombing and vishing, posing as tech support to overwhelm users with spam emails before tricking them into granting remote access. Compromised email addresses and stolen Microsoft 365 credentials provide another entry point for unauthorized access.

Plus, external access settings in Microsoft Teams, which often allow outside users to initiate chats or meetings, can be exploited if not properly restricted. Another common tactic is sending phishing links through Teams chats, often disguised as invoices or payment notifications, leading to ransomware infections.

A woman carrying a Microsoft laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Beware of fake jobs as well

Scammers have been running fake job schemes for a while, but their tactics keep evolving. Lately, I reported how fake job emails are being used to install crypto mining software that slows down computers. Now, they are using Microsoft Teams chat to trick people.

It usually starts with an email about a job followed by a suggestion to do the interview over Teams. The first red flag is that the entire interview happens over chat with no video and no call. After that, you are “hired” and asked to submit your details, often through a Google Doc requesting personal info like your social security or tax number. Some victims are even asked to buy equipment for the job, pay a hiring fee or purchase gift cards, which are classic signs that the whole thing is a scam.

A woman working on her Microsoft laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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6 ways you can stay safe from scammers targeting Microsoft Teams

1) Avoid opening suspicious links and attachments: Be cautious of unsolicited links or attachments, especially in chat messages or emails. Cybercriminals often use these to deliver malware or phishing links. Never click on links that seem unusual or come from unknown sources.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

2) Check for red flags in job offers: If you receive a job offer that seems too good to be true or involves an interview conducted entirely via chat with no phone call or video meeting, it’s likely a scam. Legitimate companies typically conduct interviews using multiple forms of communication.

A job offer that insists on only text-based conversations is a major red flag. Other warning signs include being asked to provide personal information through Google Docs, being asked to pay for equipment, paying fees to secure the job or purchasing gift cards as part of the hiring process.

3) Use strong, unique passwords: Ensure your Microsoft 365 and other accounts are protected with strong passwords. Consider using two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access. Also, you might want to use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

4) Be cautious with personal information: Never share sensitive personal details, like social security numbers or tax information, through unsecured or unsolicited channels, such as Google Docs or messages on Teams. Always verify the legitimacy of such requests.

5) Report suspicious activity: If you notice any suspicious activity on your Microsoft Teams account or receive unusual job offers, report it immediately. Prompt action can prevent a potential breach or further compromise. Notify your IT department or relevant authorities so they can investigate and take appropriate measures.

6) Verify IT support requests: Be cautious of unsolicited messages or calls claiming to be from IT support, especially those asking you to install software or grant remote access. Cybercriminals often impersonate IT staff to deploy ransomware or steal sensitive data. Always verify such requests with your actual IT department before taking any action. If in doubt, contact your IT team directly using official channels, not through the message or call you received.

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Kurt’s key takeaway

Scammers and hackers are not slowing down, so staying sharp is the only way to stay ahead. If something feels off, like a job that sounds too good to be true, a random Teams message with a sketchy link or an interview that is just a chat, trust your instincts. You should always be careful with external messages and invites that you to receive on Microsoft Teams. Even if it seems like it is from someone you know, it is best to double-check, especially if it involves a file, a link or an invitation to a chat you were not expecting to receive.

Should Microsoft be doing more to prevent phishing and impersonation scams on Teams? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

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Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

February 10, 2025
Fake toll road texts sweep America as Chinese scammers target US drivers

A new scam has come to light targeting residents across the United States with text messages that pretend to be from toll road operators. For many who receive these messages, it’s an easy and expensive trap to fall into.

The scam begins when people receive a message claiming they have unpaid tolls and may be charged fines. Scammers then ask for card details and a one-time password sent via SMS to steal their money. Security researchers believe that Chinese smishing groups are behind this scam, selling SMS-based phishing kits to thousands of scammers.

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Fake toll road scam text (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What you need to know about the fake toll scam

As reported by KrebsOnSecurity, the scam begins with a text message claiming to be from a toll road operator, such as E-ZPass or SunPass. The message warns about unpaid tolls and the possibility of fines, forcing recipients to act quickly. Victims are directed to a fake website mimicking the toll operator’s site, where they are asked to provide sensitive information, including payment card details and one-time passwords.

Security researchers have traced the scam to Chinese smishing groups known for creating and selling sophisticated SMS phishing kits. One such kit, “Lighthouse,” makes it easy for scammers to spoof toll road operators in multiple states. These kits are designed to trick users into sharing financial information, which is then used to commit fraud.

Reports of these phishing attacks have surfaced across the U.S., targeting users of toll systems like EZDriveMA in Massachusetts, SunPass in Florida and the North Texas Toll Authority in Texas. Similar scams have been reported in states including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota and Washington. The phishing pages are mobile-optimized and won’t load on non-mobile devices, making them even more deceptive.

Fake toll road scam text (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Phishing scams are evolving

Recent advancements in phishing kits include better deliverability through integration with Apple iMessage and Android’s RCS technology, bypassing traditional SMS spam filters. These methods increase the likelihood of victims receiving and engaging with fraudulent messages. The phishing sites are operated dynamically in real time by criminals, making them harder to detect and shut down. Even individuals who don’t own a vehicle have reported receiving these messages, indicating random targeting.

Illustration of a scammer sending toll road texts to scam victims (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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7 ways to stay safe from toll scam messages

By staying vigilant and following the steps below, you can protect yourself from falling victim to toll scams.

1) Verify directly with toll operators: If you receive a message about unpaid tolls or fines, do not click on any links. Instead, visit the official website of your toll operator or contact their customer service directly to verify the claim.

2) Install strong antivirus software: The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

3) Do not share personal information: Never provide sensitive details like payment card information, Social Security numbers or one-time passwords via text or unverified websites. Legitimate toll operators will not request such information through SMS.

4) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Use 2FA for your accounts whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring two forms of verification, reducing the risk of unauthorized access even if some details are compromised.

5) Be wary of urgency in messages: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming immediate action is required to avoid penalties. Take a moment to assess the situation and verify the legitimacy of the message through official channels.

6) Report suspicious messages: If you suspect a phishing attempt, report it to the Federal Trade Commission or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Include details like the sender’s phone number and any links in the message. Additionally, inform your mobile carrier to help block similar scams.

7) Use a personal data removal service: Employ a reputable data removal service to reduce your online footprint and minimize the risk of scammers obtaining your personal information. These services can help remove your data from various data broker sites, making it harder for scammers to target you with personalized scams. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

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Kurt’s key takeaway

It’s deeply concerning how these scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread. It’s no longer just about random phishing attempts. These are carefully crafted schemes designed to exploit our trust in systems we rely on daily. The fact that scammers can impersonate toll road operators so convincingly is alarming, and it shows how vulnerable we are to such attacks. It frustrates me to think of how many people may fall victim to these tactics, losing their hard-earned money.

Have you recently received a suspicious text message claiming to be from a toll road operator or any other service? How did you react? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

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Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

January 28, 2025
Scammers find sneaky way to bypass your iPhone’s safety features
In an alarming development, cybercriminals have devised a new method to circumvent Apple’s built-in phishing protection for iMessage, potentially exposing you to malicious links and scams. This sophisticated tactic exploits a security feature designed to protect you, turning it into a vulnerability that could lead to significant personal and financial risks.

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Scammer’s phishing text message sent to iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The trick unveiled

Apple’s iMessage automatically disables links in messages from unknown senders as a security measure. However, cybercriminals have found a way to exploit this protection. By instructing you to reply to the message, often with a simple “Y,” the attackers can re-enable previously disabled links. This seemingly innocuous action not only activates the links but also signals to the scammers that they’ve found an engaged target for future attacks.

We reached out to Apple for a comment but did not hear back before our deadline.

Scammer’s phishing text message sent to iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Common phishing lures

These deceptive messages often masquerade as notifications from trusted organizations, such as:
- Undeliverable packages from courier services (USPS, DHL, FedEx)
- Unpaid road tolls
- Outstanding payments or fees
The messages typically end with instructions like: “(Please reply Y, then exit the SMS, re-open the SMS activation link, or copy the link to open in Safari).”

Scammer’s phishing text messages sent to iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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The rising threat of smishing

This new tactic is part of a broader trend of smishing (SMS phishing) attacks targeting mobile users. With the increasing reliance on smartphones for various activities, including financial transactions and personal communications, these attacks pose a significant threat to users’ security and privacy.

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How to protect yourself

To safeguard against these sophisticated phishing attempts, consider the following steps.

1) Never reply to suspicious messages: Avoid responding to texts from unknown senders, especially those asking you to reply to activate links. Additionally, make sure to delete suspicious text messages and block the sender to prevent further attempts. Since the sender is not in your contact list, you can click Report Junk at the bottom of the text. Then click Delete and Report Junk. This will report the conversation as junk by sending it to your wireless carrier and Apple using your phone number.

2) Verify sender identity: Contact organizations directly through official channels if you’re unsure about a message’s legitimacy.

3) Be skeptical of urgency: Scammers often use urgent language to prompt quick, thoughtless actions.

4) Enable message filtering: Use your device’s built-in filtering options to sort messages from unknown senders. Here are the steps:
- Open Settings
- Scroll down and click Apps
- Tap Messages
- Turn on Filter Unknown Senders
This feature allows you to automatically sort messages from unknown senders, easily filter unread messages and manage your message inbox more efficiently.

5) Use two-factor authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message or authentication app, in addition to your password. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if your password is compromised.

6) Have strong antivirus software: The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

7) Invest in personal data removal services: By reducing your online footprint, you make it harder for cybercriminals to obtain your contact information, potentially preventing them from sending you these deceptive iMessage phishing texts in the first place. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

What to do if you’ve been targeted

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a smishing attack:
- Report the incident to relevant authorities and institutions
- Freeze your credit to prevent potential identity fraud
- Change passwords and PINs for all your accounts; consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords
- Monitor your finances and online accounts for suspicious activity
- Use an identity theft protection service: Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.
One of the best parts of some identity theft protection services is that they have identity theft insurance of up to $1 million to cover losses and legal fees and a white-glove fraud resolution team where a U.S.-based case manager helps you recover any losses. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

Kurt’s key takeaways

This latest trick targeting iMessage users serves as a reminder that even seemingly secure systems can be vulnerable to social engineering. By remaining cautious and following best practices for digital security, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these sophisticated phishing attempts.

What other cybersecurity challenges have you encountered with your mobile devices, and what questions do you have for us? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Follow Kurt on his social channels:

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
January 27, 2025