As we have learned over the past year, the world of fraud and scams is vast and ever changing. Scammers will stop at nothing to ensure they fleece every last dime out of any unsuspecting victim they can. As we look forward to what the landscape of fraud looks like for 2026, it seems that for the most part scammers are sticking to the “if it isn’t broken don’t fix it” mentality. Meaning, for the most part, fraudsters are sticking to the tried-and-true scams of the past. While most scams are not new, familiar fraud is becoming more sophisticated with the advancement of technology and AI. Unfortunately, on top of the old scams, there are some disturbing new schemes emerging in 2026. According to AARP, here are some of the biggest scams to look out for in the coming year:
- Employment scams
- Recovery scams
- Digital arrest
- “I know what you are doing on your computer” scams
- Romance scams
- Relief check scams
Over the next few weeks, I want to analyze each of the scams listed above to take an in-depth look at what they are and how to spot the red flags. Education is key in the fight against fraud. Let’s arm ourselves with knowledge this coming year and avoid the pitfalls of scammers as much as we possibly can. Some of the topics will be familiar, others not so much, but all are relevant. Having said that, why don’t we start with Employment Scams.
💼Employment scams are making a comeback due to the fact that in 2025, U.S. employers laid off more than 1.17 million workers (BBB). As a result of this, desperate job hunters are more likely to be susceptible to fraud. Bogus online job ads, work from home schemes, positions offering outrageous salaries and benefits, even real employment agencies and companies are used in scams. People who are already hurting end up getting injured further by these disgusting fraudsters. The goal of an employment scam is still the same, to obtain personal information or money from someone legitimately looking for a job. There are plenty of real employers out there looking for workers, and it can be hard to sift through the madness to get to the right ones. When searching for a job, keep yourself safe. Never give out sensitive information online or over the phone. Do not pay any up-front fees; if a potential employer asks you for money to get a job or be interviewed, it is always a scam. Distrust big promises; too good to be true always is. Don’t rely on job apps such as LinkedIn or Indeed as they are not immune to fake posts. Scrutinize the source; if a recruiter contacts you check the company’s website for yourself to be sure that person actually works there and they are hiring. Always be careful posting your resume online. You should be aware of what you are publicly posting all the time, not only when searching for a job. By keeping these things in mind while applying for a new job, you could save yourself the pain of being scammed when you are in an already stressful situation.
Thanks and have a great weekend!
Tara Montgomery
Exchange Bank of Alabama
Fraud Specialist
(256) 691-0328
