5 Scams to Be Wary of in 2023

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Scams are becoming more sophisticated and prevalent. Technology increases access to the world, and scammers will do all they can to steal your information. Many people fall victim to these crimes, so it’s essential to be aware of the most current scams. Doing so protects yourself and your loved ones from these fraudulent schemes.

Here are the top scams happening in 2023.

1. Medical Billing Fraud

Medical billing fraud involves submitting false or inflated claims for reimbursement to insurance companies like Medicare or Medicaid. Health care providers, billing companies and patients can perpetrate these scams.

One common example of medical billing fraud is upcoding. This is when a health care provider bills you for a more expensive treatment than one they performed. Another example is unbundling, which involves billing separately for services typically in a bundle.

Medical billing fraud can be challenging to detect, but you can watch for some warning signs. Monitoring red flags include receiving bills for services your health care provider did not render, or you may notice your insurance company billing for services you did not receive.

It’s vital to carefully review the charges and submit an appeal to the billing department or insurance company if you believe they are incorrect. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) if you suspect you are a medical billing fraud victim.

2. Tech Support Scams

Tech support scams often occur when fraudsters pose as technical support representatives to gain access to your information. They may call or email you or create pop-up ads on your computer warning you of a supposed security threat.

Once they gain access to your computer, the scammer may install malware to gain access to your passwords, Social Security numbers and bank account information. They may even charge you for unnecessary software or services or claim they must fix a nonexistent problem.
Tech support scammers can be persuasive because they use scare tactics to make you think your computer is infected with a virus. They’ll also claim to be from a reputable company, like Apple or McAfee.

If you receive a suspicious email or call from someone claiming to be tech support, look into their web address to determine if it is legitimate. You can also contact the company they’re claiming to represent and find additional information. Lastly, it’s best not to provide any personal information or allow access to your computer, as tech support companies will never request this from you.

3. Online Shopping Scams

Online shopping is one of the top scamming methods in 2023. Fraudsters use fake online stores and ads on legitimate websites to trick you into purchasing goods or services. Once you place an order, the scammer keeps your money, and you never receive the goods.

These scams can be highly convincing, often featuring products at too-good-to-be-true prices or logos and branding that closely resemble legitimate stores. One example of an online shopping scam is the bait-and-switch tactic, where a scammer advertises popular products at heavily discounted prices. However, the items they send in exchange are cheaper and inferior.

The best way to protect yourself online is to be cautious. Always research the seller and product before purchasing, and check reviews from other customers. It also helps if you’re wary of deals that seem too good to be true. However, you can always report the incident to your bank or credit card company if you fall victim to an online shopping scam.

4. Social Media Scams

One of the most current scams happening online is through social media. According to the FTC, more than $164 million was lost between 2020 and 2021 due to fraud on social platforms. These scams involve cybercriminals tricking people into giving away their personal information or money. However, they can take many forms, from fake charity appeals to phishing scams that steal your login credentials.

One common example is the “friend in distress” method. The scammer will pose as a friend or family member and ask for money to help with an emergency. It’s important to be cautious when using social media because you could get friend requests from people pretending to be someone you know.

Therefore, you should always double-check their identity and ensure you’re skeptical of posts that ask for money or personal information.

5. Employment Scams

Another top scam in 2023 preys on job seekers who are often desperate for work and may be more vulnerable to fraudulent offers. These scams can be fake postings or work-from-home scams, and they’re often devastating for victims because they lose money or have their identities stolen. One employment scam to be aware of is where an employer offers you a job but then asks you to send money to pay for training or equipment.

Ensure you’re cautious of postings that seem too good to be true if you’re looking for work, and use job-hunting sites to find opportunities. Some will promise high pay for little work, so you must research the company before accepting any offer. Additionally, it’s a red flag if the company asks you to send money.

You can also verify the legitimacy of job offers by using the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker tool.

Be Wary of These Scamming Methods in 2023

These are the most current scams to be aware of this year. They often have devastating consequences and they’re everywhere. However, you can always stay safe by being wary of these top scams in 2023 and staying cautious about giving out personal information or payment details – especially to those you don’t know.

If you ever do fall victim to a scam, ensure you report the incident to authorities and take steps to protect yourself from further harm.