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Cyberscams have reached alarming levels in the U.S., with nearly 30% of Americans falling victim to fraudulent schemes in the past year alone.
The financial toll is staggering — scams cost Americans over $159 billion annually, with average individual losses now exceeding $3,500 per victim. This epidemic is not just a financial crisis but also a human rights issue, as many scams originate from forced labor operations in Southeast Asia.
With nearly 90% of Americans targeted by scam attempts and 40% receiving suspicious messages daily, the question remains: how can we protect ourselves and hold perpetrators accountable in an increasingly digital world?
The word scam with data in the background (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The mechanics of “pig butchering”
One of the most pervasive scams today is the so-called “pig butchering” scheme. Originating in China and spreading across Southeast Asia, this scam involves criminals building trust with victims through social media or messaging apps. Once trust is established, victims are lured into fraudulent cryptocurrency investment schemes. These scams are meticulously crafted to appear legitimate, often involving fake trading platforms and simulated profits. Victims are encouraged to invest more until they are “slaughtered,” losing their entire savings when the scammers vanish with their funds.
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Forced labor behind these scam centers
What makes these scams even more horrifying is their reliance on human trafficking. Criminal syndicates in countries like Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos force trafficked individuals to run these operations under threat of violence. These “scam centers” operate in lawless regions controlled by rebel groups or corrupt officials, making international intervention challenging. Survivors describe conditions akin to modern slavery, with physical abuse and even torture being common.
Illustration of a scam on a computer key. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Why America is a prime target
Cyberscams have taken hold in the U.S. for several reasons that make it particularly vulnerable. As an American, you’re likely connected to the digital world through social media platforms, messaging apps and other online tools. This high level of connectivity makes it easier for scammers to reach you directly, whether through a text message, email or social media chat. The sheer number of people online in the U.S. creates a vast pool of potential targets for cybercriminals.
Additionally, the growing popularity of cryptocurrency in the U.S. has made it a prime medium for fraud. Cryptocurrency transactions are fast, anonymous and difficult to trace, which makes them ideal for scammers looking to steal funds without leaving a trail. Many scams are designed to exploit this lack of transparency, leaving victims with little chance of recovering their money once it’s gone.
Another major issue is the lack of a centralized reporting system for cyberscams in the U.S. If you’ve ever been scammed or know someone who has, you might have noticed how confusing it can be to figure out where to report the crime — whether to the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or another agency. This fragmented system not only makes it harder for victims to seek help but also prevents authorities from gathering comprehensive data to tackle the problem effectively. These factors combined have made Americans some of the most targeted individuals in the world when it comes to cyberscams.
Illustration of a scammer at work. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Global solutions: Lessons from other nations
Several countries have implemented innovative measures to combat cyberscams, offering valuable lessons for the U.S. Singapore, for instance, has introduced a mandatory SMS Sender ID Registry (SSIR) that requires organizations to register their alphanumeric Sender IDs. This system effectively blocks unregistered SMS senders, significantly reducing impersonation scams. In fact, cases involving scam SMSes in Singapore fell by 70% over three months after mandating the SSIR.
Britain has taken a different approach by establishing a dedicated “159” hotline, allowing residents to instantly verify suspicious calls. This simple yet effective system provides a quick way for individuals to check the legitimacy of unexpected communications, potentially preventing many scams before they occur.
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Many nations have also implemented stricter authentication measures, such as biometric checks and in-app verifications, which have proven highly effective in reducing fraud. For example, Singapore has required facial verification for higher-risk transactions through Singpass since 2022, resulting in no further reports of malware-enabled scams involving unauthorized CPF withdrawals since its implementation in June 2023.
Some countries are exploring ways to slow down cryptocurrency transactions or cap transfer amounts, which could significantly hinder scammers who rely on quick, anonymous transfers. These measures, combined with a coordinated global response involving major victim nations like the U.S. and China, could prove instrumental in dismantling criminal networks more effectively. By learning from these international examples and adapting them to the American context, the U.S. could significantly strengthen its defenses against the rising tide of cyberscams.
Illustration of scamming techniques. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Tips to protect yourself and your loved ones
Recognizing red flags is essential to avoid falling victim to scams. Here are some important red flags to be aware of:
- Unsolicited calls or emails: Be wary of anyone asking for personal or financial information. Legitimate organizations will not ask for sensitive information in this manner.
- Urgent requests for payment: Scammers often demand immediate action to avoid scrutiny. Take a moment to verify the request through official channels before responding.
- Unfamiliar contact information: Be cautious if the contact information provided does not match the official contact details of the company or organization.
- Untraceable payment methods: Requests for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers are major warning signs. Reputable companies will not ask for these types of payments.
- Too good to be true offers: If an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is. Research and verify any claims before proceeding.
10 ways to protect yourself from being scammed
Protecting yourself and your loved ones from scams requires vigilance and awareness. Here are eight effective ways to safeguard against scammers:
1. Verify before you act: Always verify the identity of the person or organization contacting you. Use official contact information to reach out directly and confirm the legitimacy of the request.
2. Limit personal information sharing: Avoid sharing personal or financial information over the phone, email or online unless you are certain of the recipient’s identity and legitimacy.
3. Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts: A robust password should include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid reusing passwords across multiple platforms, and consider using a reputable password manager to store and generate complex passwords securely.
4. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible: 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a secondary verification method, such as a code sent to your phone or biometric authentication. This ensures that even if your password is compromised, unauthorized access remains highly unlikely.
5. Keep your devices and software up to date: By regularly installing the latest updates and security patches, you can ensure your devices are equipped with the latest security features and bug fixes, reducing the risk of becoming a target for cyberattacks. Many cyberattacks exploit unpatched vulnerabilities, so enabling automatic updates for your operating system, apps and antivirus software can significantly reduce your risk.
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6. Invest in personal data removal services: Consider using a service that specializes in removing your personal information from the internet to reduce your exposure to potential scammers. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.
7. Monitor financial accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unusual or unauthorized transactions. Promptly report any suspicious activity.
8. Be skeptical of unsolicited requests: Treat unexpected requests for money or personal information with caution. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly.
9. Be vigilant against phishing attempts and use strong antivirus software: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unsolicited emails or messages. Ensure your devices are protected with strong antivirus software that can detect and block malicious activities. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
10. Report Suspected Scams: If you suspect you’ve encountered a scam, report it to your local authorities, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and any relevant financial institutions.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
The rise of cyberscams is not just an economic issue but a moral one that demands immediate action. With billions lost annually and countless lives disrupted, we cannot afford complacency in addressing this crisis. By learning from global best practices and fostering international collaboration, we can begin to dismantle these criminal networks. Be sure to follow the steps I outlined to keep yourself safe.
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