Safety First: Selfie Spoofing
As technology evolves, so do the tactics fraudsters use to scam potential victims. One of the latest scams gaining traction is “selfie spoofing.”
What is Selfie Spoofing?
Selfie spoofing is a scam where fraudsters use their intended victim’s selfie to verify their identity and open fraudulent accounts. Scammers use various tactics to obtain these selfies. One method is posing as a trusted business or individual and requesting photos of your face from multiple angles. Once they have these images, they can impersonate you. Additionally, they may steal pictures from social media to achieve the same goal.
The Impact of Selfie Spoofing
Selfie spoofing is more prevalent than you may think. According to a 2023 report by Socure, selfie spoofing accounted for 20% of identification document fraud. This highlights the importance of increasing our awareness of these emerging scams and protecting our personal information. Specifically, individuals aged 50 years and above tend to be the most common target for these newer scams. In fact, 49% of all selfie spoofing attacks are directed at this age group. This demographic tends to be more vulnerable because they may be less familiar with the latest threats.
How to Protect Against Selfie Spoofing
To keep yourself protected from selfie spoofing, consider the following tips:
- Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Requests: Even if the request appears to be from a trusted source, you should remain wary of any requests for selfies or personal information.
- Secure Your Social Media: Review your social media settings and make sure your accounts are set to private. This prevents scammers from accessing your photos.
- Stay Informed: Keep updated on the newest emerging scams to keep you and your loved ones safe and your personal information protected.
By staying vigilant and aware of the newest scams, you can help protect yourself from falling victim to selfie spoofing and other identity fraud scams. Remember, First New York will never contact you requesting photos or personal information. If you receive any such calls, texts, or emails, disconnect immediately and report them to our team by calling 518-393-1326, option #2.
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