Top Scams of the Month: Impersonation scams take center stage

It’s a wild world out there, and while the internet has made life more convenient, it's also created a playground for scammers. This month, impersonation scams are stealing the spotlight, with fraudsters getting more creative—and bold—by the day. From receiving a “you’ve been hacked” email that makes you panic-click, to finding out Netflix apparently thinks your membership expired today (it didn’t, by the way), it’s a digital jungle out there.

Ever scanned a QR code to park your car? Well, that seemingly harmless scan might have parked your data in a scammer's hands. Then, there’s the classic "fake Evri delivery" text, fooling people into thinking their latest online shopping spree hit a snag. And don’t forget the NatWest credit card warnings popping into inboxes, preying on anyone just trying to check their bank balance in peace.

Let’s take a closer look at each of the above impersonation scams and give you tips on how best to avoid them.

'You've been hacked' email

Picture this: you open your inbox and see an alarming subject line—“You’ve been hacked!”—followed by a claim that a hacker has infiltrated all your devices. In a message laced with tech jargon, they drop the name of some scary-sounding spyware, like Pegasus, and confidently tell you they’ve been watching your every move. According to them, they’ve gained access to your webcam, email, and even your call records. To make it worse, they claim to have recorded “compromising” videos of you.

Then comes the kicker: pay up in Bitcoin, or they’ll share these so-called videos with everyone in your contact list. The stakes feel high, and the urgency they create is designed to push you into a panic. But here’s the real twist—it’s all smoke and mirrors. No spyware, no videos, just a scammer trying to rattle your nerves and pocket your money.

Netflix’s 'Your membership expired today'

You open your inbox to see a message that looks like it's from Netflix, saying, "Your membership expired today." No worries, they’ve got a deal for you – click this link for a "free year of Netflix." Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it is! That link will whisk you off to a malicious website fishing for your personal info. Instead of free movies, you'll end up with a starring role in an identity theft nightmare. Always double-check before clicking—free online things rarely come without a catch!

Source: Which?

QR code parking scams

Drivers are being warned about sneaky parking scams involving fake QR codes. Fraudsters are sticking these codes on parking signs, hoping you'll scan them and unknowingly hand over your payment details. Instead of paying for parking, you'll be taken to dodgy websites where criminals are ready to empty your account. 

It’s not just parking scams you need to watch out for—fraudulent QR codes are popping up in other places too, like restaurants. Scammers can print fake codes on stickers and cover legitimate ones. If the QR code looks like a sticker or seems tampered with, asking an employee before paying is smart. And when you scan, always check the website URL. If it looks suspicious or off in any way, don’t proceed. A few seconds of caution can save you a lot of trouble!

'NatWest credit card account

You get an email from "NatWest" telling you your credit card account hasn't been updated and that you'll lose access in 48 hours. They even throw in a helpful link to "update" your details—how thoughtful! But hold on, this isn’t customer service; it’s a scam. That link leads straight to a shady site looking to swipe your info. Real banks don’t pressure you with ticking clocks or dodgy links. So, take a deep breath, ignore the scare tactics, and delete the email. Your account is probably just fine!

Source: Online

Bottom Line: Pay attention to avoid impersonation scams

Scammers are getting more creative and bolder with impersonation schemes, but staying safe doesn’t have to be complicated. They are using everything from fake Netflix offers to urgent bank emails and sneaky QR codes to trick you into giving up personal information. But staying safe is simpler than you might think. Slow down, double-check any unexpected messages, and always be cautious of links and QR codes that seem off. Legitimate companies won’t use scare tactics or offer unbelievable deals that expire in a flash. Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, it probably is.

Image source: Pexels.com