Online scams aren’t just happening more often… they’re getting smarter. Sneakier.
From fake toll texts to “too good to be true” job offers, the tactics are evolving faster than most people can keep up. And yes, that can include you and your friends, not just grandma.
In this episode of Generation Money, Guy Adami and Dan Nathan sit down with Mohammed Beirutti, a Staten Island accountant with a business management degree and a front-row seat to the way scammers operate. Mohammed has worked at EZPass, lived through close calls in his own family, and has ideas on how Gen Z can spot, shut down, and avoid scammers.
Meet the hosts
Guy Adami — CNBC’s original “Fast Money” trader, former vice president at Goldman Sachs, and market commentator with decades of experience watching scams and fraud schemes play out in real time.
“The red flags are there — you just have to slow down long enough to see them.”
— Guy Adami
Dan Nathan — Market strategist, media analyst, and co-founder of RiskReversal Media, with years spent navigating Wall Street’s most volatile moments.
“Scammers are becoming more sophisticated — and they’ve got more tech to make it happen.”
— Dan Nathan
The guest: Mohammed Beirutti
Accountant, College of Staten Island alum, and EZPass customer service veteran. Mohammed’s job experience means he knows precisely how scams trick people, and why they’re so convincing.
He’s also seen the emotional toll scams take on friends and family.
“My grandmother had it happen. My aunt almost paid $600 in fake tolls through one of those messages.”
How to avoid online scams
The fake toll text
Looks real, feels urgent, and comes with a link to “pay immediately.”
EZPass will never text you, but that doesn’t stop scammers from trying. Mohammed’s family almost lost hundreds to this one.
The virus phone call
Scammer “finds” a virus on your computer, then asks you to buy hundreds in gift cards. If you’ve ever been told to pay in Apple gift cards, stop right there. It’s a scam.
Gen Z is getting hit harder
A Deloitte survey says Gen Z Americans are three times more likely to fall for online scams than boomers. Why? Constant notifications, decision fatigue, and a job market that makes “too good to be true” job offers sound tempting. The speed of Gen Z’s online life has become what scammers count on.
👉 The Ultimate List of Fraud Prevention Do’s and Don’ts
👉 AI Can Fake Your Child’s Voice. Here’s How to Fight Back.
Red flag reality check
In Norton’s “Red Flag Round Table,” the crew breaks down how to avoid online scams and messages:
- Job offer scams promising $156K with “no experience needed.”
- Fake package delivery notices with shady URLs.
- Investment scams offering $70K a month and a sketchy link to “get started.”
If it’s rushing you, offering unbelievable money, or coming from an address that looks off, that’s your cue to walk away.
And when a scam looks too legit? Lean on tools like Norton Genie’s AI Scam Assistant to double-check in real time, so you can confirm your gut before you click.
👉 Your Complete Protection Guide to Digital Security
How to protect yourself from online scams
You can’t stop scammers from trying, but you can make their job a lot harder:
- Lock down your accounts — Enable two-factor authentication, use strong, unique passwords, and keep social media private.
- Monitor your money — Check bank and credit card statements regularly. Set up alerts for withdrawals, purchases, and new credit inquiries.
- Freeze your credit — It’s free and prevents new accounts from being opened in your name.
- Guard personal info — Don’t share your Social Security number, address, or date of birth unless it’s essential.
- Act fast — The sooner you report suspicious activity to your bank, credit bureaus, or an identity protection service, the less damage it can cause.
Key takeaway
Online scams are everywhere, and the numbers don’t lie; they’re up 33% year over year, pulling in a record $16.6 billion. Whether you’re fresh out of school or decades into your career, knowing how to avoid online scammers and spot the red flags is no longer optional.
Stay ahead of scammers
Don’t wait for a close call to start protecting yourself.
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