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Hackers target AOL users, pretending to be company employees to steal passwords.
This marks the beginning of phishing, which remains a major cyber threat today. -
Victims receive an email titled “I LOVE YOU” with an attachment.
Opening it unleashes a virus that spreads to millions of computers worldwide, stealing passwords and causing billions in damages. -
Phishing emails disguised as bank alerts trick users into entering credentials on fake websites.
Stolen credentials allow hackers to steal money and commit identity theft. -
Fraudsters list fake products or rent out non-existent apartments, taking payments and disappearing.
Fake check scams also increase, where victims ship items but never get paid. -
Scammers impersonate the IRS, demanding “unpaid taxes” and threatening victims with arrest unless they pay via gift cards or wire transfers. -
Scammers pretend to be from Microsoft or Apple, claiming the victim’s PC is infected.
They gain remote access to install malware or demand money for fake fixes -
Hackers impersonate CEOs or company executives, emailing employees to wire large amounts of money.
Major corporations lose billions due to this sophisticated fraud. -
Scammers promise guaranteed profits from cryptocurrency investments.
OneCoin, one of the biggest crypto scams ever, steals $4 billion from investors. -
Fake government aid programs trick people into giving away personal details.
Some scams claim to offer early access to vaccines for a fee. -
Verified social media accounts are hacked and post fake crypto giveaways, stealing millions from victims. -
Scammers clone voices and create fake video calls to impersonate CEOs or family members.
This makes phishing even more convincing and dangerous. -
Scammers create fake LinkedIn profiles posing as recruiters, stealing job seekers' information or charging for “training fees.”