PHOENIX — The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are sounding the alarm about an unprecedented rise in scams heading into the holiday season.
According to the FBI the number of reported scams this year has already superceded 2023.
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"The easiest way for fraudsters to make contact is through cell phones, social media, and email," Mary Gleason, Supervisory Special Agent with the FBI said, "We really can't escape it, and so it's really important to be vigilant."
Jerry Keely, a cybersecurity advisor with CISA, highlighted the emerging threat of AI-powered voice cloning.
"Now with AI being able to copy voices, it can sound like somebody you know," Keely warned. "You might think you're talking to a person, but it's not them at all.
Experts recommend to pause before taking action:
- Be wary of urgent requests for personal information
- Don't click links in unsolicited emails
- Use known, legitimate websites directly
- Update devices with latest software
If targeted by a scam, authorities recommend:
- Stop communication with the scammer
- Contact your bank to potentially block or reissue credit cards
- Report the incident to IC3.gov and the Federal Trade Commission
- Consider reporting to local law enforcement
Gleason stressed the importance of vetting people on the phone and online.
"There's always going to be this sense of urgency to answer questions, but your financial institution won't be upset with you if you ask them, 'Hey, can I call you back? Since you called me?" Gleason explained.
Gleason said once scammers have personal information, they can open up credit cards, take out loans and commit other crimes.
CISA also suggests freezing credit by contacting the three major credit bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.
Keely noted it's important to spread the word to help avoid others falling victim to scams.
"When you're with friends and family this holiday season, talk about these scams," Keely said. "Education is our best defense."
The FBI notes that only approximately 20% of scam victims report incidents, suggesting the actual scale of fraud could be significantly larger.
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