In honor of my Caught Dead in Wyoming mystery series, my assistant Gabriella Samuels is writing for my newsletter and blog a series of consumer tips inspired by TV reporter Elizabeth Margaret Danniher.
Welcome to 2026! The new year brings new opportunities and experiences. It also brings new things to watch out for as consumers. This year will be the year of artificial intelligence. With its increased popularity and use, scammers are more sophisticated and more menacing than ever.
AARP provided a list of its top scams to watch out for, but here are a few scams I would like to highlight so you can stay safe.
- AI impersonation scams: Criminals are utilizing data from the social media of people you know to generate AI-based voices and images that resemble them, to manipulate you into giving them money.
- Employment scams: Fake job postings, most notably those for work from home positions, may charge fees or exploit applicants for money laundering.
- Online shopping scams: Scammers use fake websites and product listings, usually on social media, to take payments and not send the items. They also steal your payment information either to sell your personal information or to commit financial fraud in your name.
- Government impersonation scams: Using convincing AI, fraudsters pose as officials (IRS, police) to threaten victims with “digital arrest” unless they pay.
Trying to stay safe online is difficult now but not impossible. Confirm information before acting too quickly. Stay calm and always be vigilant.
Report any scams to the Federal Trade Commission and Better Business Bureau.