Unveiling the Top Digital Scams and How to Protect Yourself

The digital world has become an integral part of our lives, allowing us to connect with others, access information, and conduct our daily tasks with ease. However, with this convenience comes a growing threat of digital scams that can have devastating consequences for both individuals and businesses.

In light of this, cybersecurity brand Gen, known for its popular products such as Norton AntiVirus and Avast, has released a comprehensive threat report outlining the most prevalent and dangerous scams as of the end of 2025. This report sheds light on the methods and trends used by scammers to target their victims, highlighting the need for increased awareness and caution in today's digital landscape.

The Rise of Subtle Scams

While technology has opened up new opportunities for scammers, the report reveals that most cybercrimes rely on basic, everyday digital actions rather than sophisticated attacks. This means that scammers are taking advantage of our normal online behavior to trick us into falling for their schemes.

According to the report, the most damaging attacks occur when individuals unknowingly complete the final step themselves, such as clicking a malicious link, scanning a QR code, or entering a verification code. This highlights the importance of being vigilant and cautious when engaging in any digital activity.

The Scamming Tactics of Social Media and Online Shops

Social media has become a breeding ground for scammers, with their tactics becoming increasingly sophisticated. The report highlights the prevalence of malvertising, where scammers pay for ads on social media platforms to lure in unsuspecting victims. Clicking on these ads can lead to the first step in becoming a victim.

Moreover, fake online shops have also become a major concern, particularly during the holiday season. These fraudulent shops are most commonly found on popular platforms like Facebook and YouTube, accounting for 65% of all threats blocked on social media in Q4 of 2025.

Leyla Bilge, Director of Scam Research at Norton, explains, "Social media is one of the places where people spend the most time and are especially vulnerable because they connect with friends, family, and strangers alike. Scammers leverage this fact and have made social media the leading source of fraud-related losses, surpassing websites, phone calls, and emails."

The Danger of Deepfakes

As technology advances, scammers are also finding new ways to exploit it. Gen's research found that deepfake scams, where AI-generated videos impersonate trusted figures, are becoming increasingly common on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and X. These scams are often linked to financial, investment, and cryptocurrency scams.

Interestingly, the UK has been named as one of the top countries for blocked deepfake scam media, showing the need for increased vigilance and regulation in this area. However, the research also suggests that most of these scams are caught during playback rather than downloads.

Staying Safe in the Digital World

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. When it comes to digital scams, the best defense is to be cautious and aware. Leyla Bilge advises users to slow down and take a moment to verify any unexpected messages or requests through trusted channels. Basic security measures like strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and regular updates can also greatly reduce the risk of falling victim to a scam.

Norton has also taken a proactive approach in combating the rise of AI scams by incorporating a detector feature in their flagship cybersecurity product.

In conclusion, the digital world offers endless opportunities, but it also comes with its fair share of risks. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, we can protect ourselves from falling prey to digital scams.

Source: https://www.uktech.news/news/identifying-the-most-common-and-dangerous-digital-scams-20220722