Trending Scams

We work with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office to educate consumers on a variety of topics. Learn about current trending scams.

Smishing is a type of scam where fraudsters send fake text messages to trick you into giving away personal information, like passwords or credit card details. The message might look like it's from your bank, a delivery service, or even a government agency, urging you to click a link or call a number. Once you do, they try to steal your info or install malware on your phone. It's basically phishing, but through SMS (text messages). Read more about how you can avoid the temptation of smishing scams here.
QR Codes scams or "quishing" happen when fraudsters create fake QR codes that trick you into visiting malicious websites or downloading harmful software. These scams can be found on fake parking meters or posters. When you scan the code, you might be directed to a phishing site that steals your personal info or a link that installs malware on your phone. To stay safe, always verify QR codes before scanning, avoid entering sensitive info on unknown sites, and use your phone’s built-in scanner instead of random apps. Read more about QR Code scams here.
Artificial Intelligence ("AI") scams occur when fraudsters use AI-generated content, such as realistic videos or audio clips, to deceive and manipulate people into sending money or sharing sensitive information. Learn more about AI scams here.