# Social Engineering Scams on the Rise Experts warn against increasingly sophisticated cyber fraud techniques. - **Source:** [Hacking Humans](https://brifing.si/source/5c2a25b7-81b2-4f80-9066-74997292410d) - **Published:** 2026-07-23 - **Topic:** [Software & Engineering](https://brifing.si/c/engineering) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/7fd018b3-f118-4c31-b8d6-e7069419bb6f ## New Trends in Social Engineering Cybercriminals are employing increasingly complex social engineering techniques. Recent cases showed scammers revealing themselves by mispronouncing local names during jury duty scams. Such details are crucial in detecting fraudulent attempts. ## What Happened to a Veteran Journalist An experienced CBS journalist who reports on scams almost fell for an elaborate bank impersonation scheme. This incident proves nobody is completely immune to such attacks, regardless of their expertise. ## Business Email Compromise Case A listener-submitted business email compromise case highlights the importance of independently verifying payment requests. Companies can prevent such attacks by implementing multi-factor authentication for financial transactions. ## Router Security Warning It was clarified that manufacturers like Netgear don't intentionally disable routers after ending support. However, lack of security updates leaves devices vulnerable. Users need to enhance their security measures accordingly. ## Listener's Security Philosophy A listener's 'Unknown Situation. Shields Up.' philosophy emphasizes slowing down to verify unexpected communications. This approach encourages pausing to think before reacting to potential threats. ## Outlandish Scam Example An over-the-top scam email from a self-proclaimed internet fraudster claiming to give away millions shows how far scammers will go. Even such obvious examples can trap careless users, demonstrating the need for constant vigilance. ## Sources covering this story - https://thecyberwire.com/podcasts/hacking-humans/395/notes — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._