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Three fraud trends to watch in 2026 Fraud tactics evolve every year, and 2026 is no exception. Scammers are using smarter tools and more convincing messages. Here are three major security trends everyone should be aware of in 2026: 1) Scams powered by Artificial Intelligence Scammers are using artificial intelligence to produce scams that look and sound more convincing than ever, whether it is fraudulent emails, phone calls, or videos. AI can imitate voices and faces through sophisticated technologies like voice cloning and deepfakes, making fake phone calls or videos appear real and convincing. Scammers might use voice cloning software, for example, to mimic a loved one's voice and manipulate you into giving up money or sensitive information. It could be as harmless as a teen child requesting personal information to apply for a scholarship or as serious as a loved one calling from jail requesting bail money. What you can do: Slow down. Most scammers use urgency to succeed. They typically send messages that require your immediate attention, so you do not have time to think and process, making it more likely that you fall victim to their scam. Create safe words with loved ones to help you verify their identity, especially in an emergency where their identity might be impersonated for malicious purposes. A quick phone call or confirmation via legitimate channels can stop a scam immediately. 2) Employment Scams Scammers will advertise a job posting through all the typical channels used by credible employers, such as job sites or social media, hoping to snag a desperate job seeker. These scams will entice victims with promises of remote work, high pay, or the ability to set their own schedules. The target is then instructed to pay for equipment, training, or fake certifications without receiving compensation or actual employment. What you can do: Pay close attention to the job details. Take note of any mention of fees or great pay for little to no work. If it is too good to be true, it probably is. If you apply for a position and get a job offer without speaking to a company representative beforehand, it is likely a scam as well. If something feels off, stop, verify, or seek help. Early actions like these can help prevent greater damage later on. 3) Social Engineering Social engineering describes any tactic that uses deception to manipulate individuals into providing personal or confidential information for fraudulent purposes. This could come in the form of an email from your boss requesting your login information, a text message claiming you won a sweepstakes, or a phone call from the IRS stating you owe them money, to name a few. What you can do: Stay informed and vigilant. Treat cybersecurity like everyday safety. Double-check unusual requests, especially those involving money or personal information, even if they appear to come from a trusted source. Most fraudsters exploit human error, not vulnerable technology, and always prefer the easiest way to obtain your information. Tricking someone into giving you their keys is much easier than breaking into their house. Takeaway: Use the FUDGE model to help you differentiate fraudulent messages from real ones. Fear: The message is trying to scare you into taking action. Urgency: The message urges you to take immediate action or else something bad will happen. Desire to Please: The message comes from someone you want to please, like your employer or an executive. Greed: The message says that you are the winner of something you may want. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Emotions: The message attempts to play with your emotions. Trust your gut. Do not take action if something feels off. Remember, if a message or phone call uses any of these tactics, stop and verify. By slowing down, verifying requests, and staying cautious online, you can significantly reduce your risk and protect what matters most. EdFed is here to help If you have fallen victim to a scam or suspect your account has been compromised, always contact EdFed's Member Contact Center at 305-270-5250 to report the incident and safeguard your account. |
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