Scams Are Getting Smarter—Here’s How I Almost Fell for One

In today’s digital age, scams have evolved significantly, becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. One alarming trend is the rise of scams involving fake services or real services offered in response to non-existent problems. These schemes prey on uncertainties, targeting both individuals and businesses.

This is why today, I almost got caught—if not for Microsoft’s detection and Google search.

Understanding the Trend

Scammers increasingly mimic legitimate service providers, crafting emails and websites that appear credible. Fortunately, I had come across a LinkedIn post by a compliance professional in the UK warning about a similar scam. They had received an email about an "automated renewal" for a trademark registered in the UK. What stood out was how well-constructed the scam was—it contained verifiable, accurate information, making it seem legitimate while aiming to extort money for a service that would never be delivered.

These emails often look professional, even featuring official logos, making it difficult to discern their authenticity.

The email I received was about FATCA/CRS reporting software—packed with technical jargon clearly lifted from a real website. A few weeks ago, I had been researching FATCA/CRS solutions for clients, and while I was almost certain I hadn’t requested a demo, I couldn’t be 100% sure. That’s how I nearly fell for it. But, keeping my reflexes as a DPO, I never click on links I don’t recognise.

How These Scams Work

• Phishing Emails – Scammers send emails appearing to be from legitimate organisations, urging recipients to act on services such as antivirus renewals, virus detections requiring online assistance, software subscriptions, trademark renewals, or even government registration fees. These emails often contain links to fake websites designed to steal personal or financial information.

• Urgency & Fear Tactics – Many scams create a false sense of urgency, warning that failure to act immediately could lead to legal issues or financial loss. This pressure often causes people to act without verifying the source.

• Real Services, Fake Problems – Some scammers offer real services (e.g., trademark registration or renewal) but target individuals who don’t actually need them. They exploit a lack of awareness about these processes to push unnecessary (and overpriced) services.

  
  

Protecting Yourself from Scams

To stay safe, keep these in mind:

✔ Verify the Source – Always check the sender’s email address and look for phishing signs like poor grammar or unusual requests.

✔ Do Your Research – If you receive a service offer, research the company independently before providing any personal details or making payments.

✔ Consult a Professional – When in doubt, ask a colleague, IT expert, or legal/business professional for guidance.

With scams becoming increasingly deceptive, awareness and vigilance are key. By staying informed and verifying service offers, we can avoid falling into these traps.

I’m just grateful I saw that LinkedIn post a few weeks ago—it saved me!