Below a list of end user examples from within our market segments.
The Q[1-6] stands for quadrant position in the market segment matrix.
Q1: Young&Teenagers
Gaming Account Phishing: Scammers target young people by posing as game developers or moderators, calling to offer special in-game items or upgrades. They convince the victim to share their account details or to download a file, which leads to their account being hijacked and personal information exposed.
Friend Impersonation Scam on Social Media: A scammer impersonates a friend or popular influencer and calls the young person, urging them to join an exclusive “gaming tournament” or “event” with limited spots. They ask for an entry fee or login credentials, which leads to a fraudulent charge or account compromise.
Potential Risk Entry: Finance advice, Friends impersonation, Dating vulnerability Police call
Q2: Travelers
Fake Travel Booking Calls: A scammer calls, claiming to be from a hotel or airline the user recently searched for online, offering a special discount. They require immediate payment over the phone to secure the “limited-time deal” but, in reality, pocket the money and provide no service.
“Family Emergency” Scam Calls While Traveling: Scammers call claiming to be a family member in trouble (often using details collected from social media about recent trips or travel). They might say they’ve been mugged, arrested, or are otherwise stranded and urgently need money transferred to them.
Potential Risk Entry: Finance advice, Insurance fraud, Police Calls Legal matter calls
Q3: Tech Enthusiasts
Software Update Scam Calls: Scammers call tech enthusiasts claiming to represent popular software companies, like Adobe or Microsoft. They inform the user of an urgent security update and ask for payment or remote access to install the “patch,” which in fact allows them to install malware on the user’s device.
Cryptocurrency or Investment Scam Calls: A scammer posing as a “financial advisor” calls the tech enthusiast, referencing cryptocurrency or NFT investment opportunities. They offer inside knowledge or “limited spots” in an investment fund and ask the user to transfer funds or cryptocurrency to a wallet address to secure their place.
Potential Risk Entry: Finance advice, Legal matter calls
Q4: Elderly
Tech Support Scam Calls: Scammers call elderly individuals claiming to be from “Microsoft” or “Apple Support” and state that there is a critical issue with their computer or device. They instruct the user to download software that gives the scammer remote access, ultimately leading to theft of sensitive information or funds.
Medicare/Insurance Fraud Calls: A scammer posing as a representative from a healthcare provider or Medicare calls to confirm details about a “recent visit” or “upcoming renewal.” They ask the elderly user for personal information, including Social Security numbers and bank details, claiming it’s necessary for their coverage or benefits.
Potential Risk Entry: Finance advice, Medical Professionals call, Police call
Q5: Immigrants
Government Impersonation Scam: Scammers call pretending to be from an immigration or tax office, claiming that the immigrant’s documents are incomplete or that they owe fees. The scammer pressures them to pay immediately, threatening legal consequences or deportation if they don’t comply.
Bank Account Verification Scam: A scammer poses as a bank representative, calling the immigrant and explaining there’s a problem with their account. They claim they need to verify personal information to secure the account, leading the victim to unknowingly share account details and suffer financial theft.
Potential Risk Entry: Finance advice, Medical Professionals call, Police call
Q6: Small Businesses/Professionals
Fake Client or Vendor Calls (Business Email Compromise): Scammers call, pretending to be a trusted client or vendor, stating that their bank details have changed and asking for future payments to be directed to a new account. They may reference real transaction details or invoices obtained through prior hacking to seem legitimate.
Tax Fraud Scam Calls: Scammers impersonate tax authorities or a business compliance office, calling small business owners and claiming there is an urgent issue with their taxes or registration. They threaten legal consequences if the user doesn’t pay “fees” or “penalties” immediately over the phone.
Potential Risk Entry: Finance advice, Partnership impersonation, Customer Impersonation, Legal matter calls