With attackers gaining access to sophisticated tools, including AI that can replicate voices and writing styles, the gap between what organisations defend against and what criminals actually deploy is increasing. 

A lot of businesses are still relying on outdated assumptions about how scams work, leaving them exposed to threats that bypass email filters, endpoint protection, and even multi-factor authentication.

According to Danny Mitchell, Cybersecurity Writer at Heimdal Security, a cybersecurity company that delivers a unified, AI-powered protection platform combining next-gen antivirus, threat prevention, and privileged access control, the threat landscape in 2026 will be shaped by attackers who understand how to exploit trust, fatigue, and system-level vulnerabilities.

“Scams are no longer simply tricking users into clicking a bad link,” says Mitchell. “Attackers now target the infrastructure, the identity layer, and the psychological weaknesses that traditional security tools weren’t designed to address.”

Below, Mitchell outlines the scams security teams are already seeing evolve, and what organisations should prioritise now to reduce exposure heading into 2026.

The Cyber Scams Security Teams Are Already Seeing Evolve

Mitchell identifies the scams gaining traction, explaining that they aren’t entirely new, but the way they’re being executed is changing in ways that make them far more dangerous.

• AI-Powered Phishing and Voice Cloning

Phishing emails used to be easy to spot. Poor grammar, generic greetings, and suspicious links were obvious red flags. Now, attackers use AI to analyse writing styles, mimic tone, and create messages that sound exactly like someone you know. 

Voice cloning has become particularly concerning. Criminals can replicate a colleague’s or manager’s voice using just a few seconds of audio.

“We’re seeing cases where employees receive calls that sound identical to their CEO, requesting urgent wire transfers or access credentials,” Mitchell says. “The technology required to do this is now accessible and cheap. It’s not a theoretical risk any longer, but actually happening regularly.”

• Business Email Compromise with MFA Fatigue

Business email compromise (BEC) attacks have evolved to bypass multi-factor authentication (MFA). The tactic is called MFA fatigue. Attackers flood a user’s phone with dozens of push notifications until the person, frustrated or confused, approves one just to stop the alerts.

“MFA is still important, but it’s not a silver bullet,” Mitchell explains. “Attackers know that users get tired, especially if they’re bombarded with notifications during a meeting or late at night. One accidental approval is all it takes.”

• Malicious Browser Extensions

Browser extensions are small tools that add functionality to web browsers, but they also represent a significant attack surface. Malicious extensions can monitor everything a user types, capture login credentials, or redirect users to phishing pages without them noticing.

Mitchell highlights how these extensions often disguise themselves as productivity tools or security add-ons. “Users install them thinking they’re improving their workflow, but in reality, they’ve just handed an attacker full visibility into their online activity,” he says.

• DNS-Based Redirection and Fake Update Scams

Attackers are increasingly targeting the DNS layer, which is the system that translates website names into IP addresses. By poisoning DNS records, criminals can redirect users to fake websites that look identical to the real thing.

“You type in your bank’s URL, but instead of reaching the legitimate site, you’re sent to a replica controlled by attackers,” Mitchell explains. “Everything looks normal, so you enter your credentials, and now they have them.”

Fake update scams are another growing threat. Users receive pop-ups claiming their software needs an urgent update. Clicking the prompt installs malware instead.

How Organisations Can Reduce Scam Exposure Going Into 2026

Mitchell stresses that organisations cannot rely solely on employees making perfect decisions under pressure. He reveals the controls that security teams need to implement to prevent scams from reaching users in the first place.

• DNS-Level Threat Prevention: Blocking threats at the DNS layer stops malicious domains before users can interact with them. 

“If the connection to a phishing site or malware server is blocked at the DNS level, the scam never gets a chance to work,” Mitchell says.

• Privilege Access Controls: Limiting who has access to sensitive systems reduces the impact of compromised accounts. Mitchell advises implementing least-privilege access, where users only have the permissions they need to do their job. 

“If an attacker compromises an account with limited access, the damage they can do is contained,” he explains.

• Patch and Asset Hygiene: Unpatched software creates entry points for attackers. Mitchell recommends automated patch management to close vulnerabilities quickly and maintain an accurate inventory of all devices and applications.
• User Risk Reduction Without Relying on ‘Perfect Behaviour’: Rather than expecting employees to identify every scam, organizations should reduce the opportunity for human error. This includes disabling risky features like MFA push notifications in favor of more secure authentication methods, restricting browser extension installations, and using email filtering that flags unusual requests.

“Security needs to work even when users are tired, distracted, or under pressure,” Mitchell says. “The goal isn’t to blame people for falling for scams, but rather to build systems that make scams harder to execute.”

• The rising popularity of cryptocurrency has attracted a surge of scammers preying on both new and experienced investors.
• Common scams include fake exchanges, phishing emails, Ponzi schemes, impersonation fraud, and malware attacks, leading to significant financial losses.
• Online security expert Richard D. advises using reputable exchanges, enabling VPN protection, and staying vigilant to navigate the crypto market safely.

Cryptocurrency has never been more popular. Bitcoin continues to hit record highs, and even public figures like Donald and Melania Trump are launching their own coins. 

With millions joining the crypto frenzy, scammers are seizing the opportunity to exploit the uninformed. “Scammers thrive on hype,” says Richard D, an online security expert at VPN Pro. “The more people rush into crypto, the easier it is for bad actors to exploit their lack of knowledge.”

From fake exchanges to phishing schemes, here are some of the most common crypto scams and how to avoid them.

8 Common Crypto Scams and How to Avoid Them

1. Fake Cryptocurrency Exchanges

Scammers create convincing replicas of legitimate crypto platforms, luring users to deposit funds that become impossible to withdraw. These fake exchanges are usually promoted through phishing links and social media ads, making them seem authentic.

How to Stay Safe:

Verify exchanges through independent reviews.

Ensure the platform is registered with relevant regulatory authorities.

Stick to reputable exchanges like Coinbase, Binance, or Kraken.

2. Phishing Emails

Fraudsters send emails that mimic official crypto platforms, tricking users into clicking malicious links or sharing private keys. These emails often contain urgent warnings to pressure victims into taking action.

How to Stay Safe:

Double-check email senders and website URLs.

Never click on unsolicited links.

Remember, legitimate platforms will never ask for private keys via email.

3. Ponzi Schemes

These scams promise guaranteed high returns by using funds from new investors to pay earlier participants. They rely on testimonials, influencers, and hype to attract victims before ultimately collapsing.

How to Stay Safe:

Be sceptical of investments that promise high, consistent returns.

Research thoroughly and avoid schemes that depend on recruitment.

4. Fake Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs)

Scammers create elaborate websites, whitepapers, and marketing campaigns to promote non-existent blockchain projects. They collect funds from investors before vanishing.

How to Stay Safe:

Research the project’s team, partnerships, and technology.

Look for verified information on trusted blockchain platforms.

5. Pump-and-Dump Schemes

Scammers buy large amounts of a low-cost cryptocurrency, artificially inflate its value through hype, then sell off their holdings, leaving other investors with worthless coins.

How to Stay Safe:

Avoid investments driven by social media hype.

Focus on cryptocurrencies with transparent teams and real-world use cases.

6. Impersonation Scams

Fraudsters create fake profiles of celebrities, influencers, or crypto companies, promoting fake giveaways or investment opportunities. Victims send funds, only for the scammer to disappear.

How to Stay Safe:

Verify accounts with blue checkmarks.

Remember, legitimate figures never ask for upfront payments for giveaways.

7. Social Media Scams

Scammers use fake accounts or groups on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Telegram to promote fraudulent token giveaways, phishing links, and fake ICOs.

How to Stay Safe:

Always verify the authenticity of social media accounts.

Never share wallet details, private keys, or sensitive information.

8. Malware Attacks

Some malware can infiltrate devices via fake crypto apps, phishing links, or malicious downloads. Hackers use these tactics to steal private keys or redirect transactions to their own wallets.

How to Stay Safe:

Keep antivirus software updated.

Download apps only from trusted sources.

Double-check wallet addresses before confirming transactions.

Why a VPN is Essential for Crypto Security

Beyond avoiding scams, protecting online activity is neccessary for crypto users.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted connection, hiding users’ IP addresses and safeguarding their online transactions. Public Wi-Fi networks are especially risky, as hackers can intercept data—but a VPN protects against these threats.

Some VPNs, like VPN Pro, offer malware blocking, ad blocking, and phishing protection, providing an extra layer of security against crypto-related scams.

“The rapid rise of cryptocurrency has transformed the way we think about money, but it has also opened the door to unprecedented levels of online fraud,” says Richard D.

“Staying ahead of these threats requires a proactive mindset. Educate yourself about the risks before entering the crypto market. Use trusted sources to research platforms, and never rush into an investment based on pressure or promises of quick returns. 

“Secure your online presence by avoiding public Wi-Fi when accessing trading accounts, or better yet, use a VPN to safeguard your activity. By staying informed and cautious, you can navigate the crypto space confidently and minimize your risk of falling victim to scams.”

The crypto market brings incredible opportunities but also huge risks. Scammers prey on fear, urgency, and misinformation—so staying informed is the best defense. 

In using reputable exchanges, verifying sources, and securing your online presence with tools like VPN Pro, you can trade safely and protect your investments.

NITDA discredited a viral grant scheme circulating on social media under the name ‘President Bola Tinubu’s N50,000 Cash Grant’ to Nigerians.

The scheme, which claims to offer a cash grant of N50,000, is actually a phishing website designed to deceive individuals into providing personal information for fraudulent purposes.

NITDA emphasized that if such programs existed, the government would communicate them through appropriate channels.

In an official statement signed by Mrs. Hadiza Umar, Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations at NITDA, released on Wednesday, the agency described the scheme as fake and fraudulent.

Umar cautioned Nigerians about the phishing website associated with the grant, highlighting its purpose of misleading unsuspecting citizens.

According to NITDA, their Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (NITDA-CERRT) discovered that the website is being used to gather people’s information for fraudulent activities.

The agency advises the public to refrain from clicking on unknown links and specifically warns against accessing the website ‘https://thryt.com/50k-CashGrants‘ and similar websites.

These sites aim to trick users into divulging personal information, including full name, phone number, home address, email address, bank account details, such as the bank’s name and account number.

NITDA further stresses that any genuine government programs would be communicated through the appropriate agency responsible for supervising such initiatives.