One can chalk it up to artificial intelligence or rampant data leaks, but one thing is clear—phishing attacks are becoming more frequent and harder to detect. Whether through emails, text messages, QR codes, or even social media DMs, cybercriminals are deploying increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive victims.
In 2024 alone, phishing and spoofing scams resulted in over $70 million in losses, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Centre. Scam links often mimic legitimate websites by using “https” encryption and lookalike domains to fool users into clicking.
Clicking one of these links doesn’t just risk your bank balance—it can compromise personal information, install malware, or give scammers access to your device.
Scam links are often embedded in phishing emails or texts and are designed to lead users to fake websites or trick them into downloading malware. Common scams include messages about unpaid tolls, fake job offers, and even investment opportunities.
Many scammers use AI tools to distribute these messages widely. Despite how often people fall for them, the consistency of success keeps fraudsters using the same tactics.
Tips to Identify Scam Links
1. Scrutinize the URL
"Smartphones do their best to block scam links, so attackers use tricks to make their links clickable," said Joshua McKenty, CEO of Polyguard.ai. Look for signs like an "@" symbol in the link or URLs merged with a question mark. Be wary if a URL starts with something familiar like Google.com but ends with a suspicious string.
2. Spot Misspellings and Lookalikes
“Typo-squatting”—using URLs that look like trusted sites but have subtle misspellings like PayPa1 instead of PayPal—is a common red flag, warns Dave Meister, cybersecurity spokesperson for Check Point.
3. Know Your Trusted URLs
"Major brands, especially banks and retailers, don't often change up their domain names," said McKenty. For instance, Chase.com is likely safe, but Chase-Banking-App.com is not.
4. Be Cautious with Shortened Links
Shortened URLs, like those from bit.ly or shorturl, can hide malicious destinations. McKenty cautions against clicking these links unless you're absolutely certain of their source.
5. Inspect QR Codes
“QR codes have become the new stealth weapon,” said Meister. Scammers may cover real QR codes in public spaces with fake ones, leading to malware downloads or cloned websites. Always double-check where the code is placed and avoid scanning suspicious ones.
What To Do If You Clicked a Scam Link
1. Install antivirus software
If your device isn’t already protected, act fast. Free and paid options are available.
2. Check for malware
If your phone is slow, unresponsive, or shows pop-ups, it could be infected. Clear your cache, delete suspicious apps, or do a factory reset. Avoid logging into any financial apps.
3. Contact your bank
Let your bank or credit card provider know if there’s any chance your information was compromised.
4. Report the scam
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and notify local authorities. The more awareness there is, the harder it becomes for these scams to succeed.
