Consumer Misunderstandings and Behaviors Toward Online Scams Unveiled in New Study
DALLAS, Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a prominent force in cybersecurity, has released a comprehensive study shedding light on various consumer perceptions and practices concerning online scams. This research uncovers widespread misunderstandings that heighten vulnerability to scams, which Trend Micro aims to correct in its ongoing battle against cybercrime.
Consumer Beliefs and Online Risks
A significant insight from the study is that over one-third of individuals believe they are only at risk of online scams when they overshare personal information online. This assumption is misleading as the increasing rate of data breaches means that cybercriminals can access personal data through more concealed channels. Once personal data is obtained, it can be exploited for numerous malicious activities such as scams, fraud, and identity theft.
Another noteworthy discovery is that 45% of participants assume scams can be easily detected by looking for poor grammar or spelling in emails or text messages. While this might have been a viable strategy in the past, modern cybercriminals employ advanced tools, like generative AI, to craft convincing messages devoid of these tell-tale mistakes.
Financial Impact and Awareness
According to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), consumers globally lost over $1 trillion to scams last year. Despite this staggering figure, only a small fraction—approximately 15%—of those surveyed have discussed with family or friends how to handle situations if targeted by scams, such as those involving romance or investments. This highlights a critical gap in awareness and preparedness among consumers.
Expert Insights and Initiatives
Russell Slater, Director of Corporate Partnerships at the National Council on Aging, emphasizes the pervasive nature of scams: "Scams are among the most significant online threats today, affecting not just older adults but individuals of all ages. We are committed to making this a national priority and value our partnership with Trend Micro to protect both older adults and the wider public through our educational initiatives."
Trend Micro has pledged to tackle this escalating problem through several approaches:
- Innovation: The company has introduced the latest version of Trend Micro ScamCheck, a tool designed to help consumers identify potential scams and the growing threat of AI-generated content like deepfakes.
- Education: Since 2008, Trend Micro has reached over 5 million individuals through its learning materials and events. In March 2025, the company will launch a new webinar series focused on combating scams.
- Collaboration: As the inaugural foundation partner of GASA, Trend Micro will participate as a thought leadership sponsor at GASA Summits across the globe in 2025. This includes the upcoming summit in London on March 26-27, where Trend representatives will present and lead discussions on Scam Prevention.
Research Methodology
The research conducted by Trend Micro included over 6,000 participants from Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The survey took place from January 27 to February 5.
About Trend Micro
Trend Micro is a global leader in cybersecurity, dedicated to making the digital world safer for information exchange. With decades of expertise in security, global threat analysis, and continuous innovation, Trend Micro’s AI-driven cybersecurity platform safeguards countless organizations and millions of users across cloud environments, networks, devices, and endpoints. As a frontrunner in cloud and enterprise cybersecurity, Trend Micro’s platform offers a robust array of advanced threat defense techniques optimized for platforms like AWS, Microsoft, and Google, providing centralized visibility for quicker and more efficient detection and response. With 7,000 employees in 70 countries, Trend Micro empowers organizations to simplify and secure their connected ecosystems. For more information, visit www.TrendMicro.com.
In conclusion, the findings from Trend Micro’s research underline the urgent need for increased consumer education and preparedness against online scams. By understanding the evolving tactics of cybercriminals and utilizing tools and resources available, consumers can better protect themselves in the digital landscape. As technology continues to advance, so too must our efforts to combat the threats that come with it.
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