Top AI Scams to Avoid Today

In 2023, a Canadian woman lost over $10,000 after receiving a tearful call from her “grandson” begging for bail money. Except, it wasn’t her grandson—it was an AI-generated voice cloned from a short clip on his social media profile. This is just one example of the countless AI scams to avoid today, a new wave of cybercrime fueled by sophisticated algorithms and machine learning.

What Are AI-Powered Scams?

AI scams leverage artificial intelligence to mimic human behavior, automate phishing attempts, create deepfakes, and even conduct advanced social engineering. These scams are not only harder to detect but also significantly more convincing than traditional cons, making them especially dangerous.

Common AI Scams You Should Watch Out For

1. Voice Cloning Scams

Using just a few seconds of recorded audio, scammers can now replicate someone’s voice with astonishing accuracy. Once cloned, this voice can be used to call friends or relatives and make urgent requests for money or sensitive information.

2. Deepfake Videos

Deepfakes use AI to superimpose one person’s likeness onto another’s body in videos. These fabricated clips can be used for extortion, reputation damage, or manipulation. Some scammers even deploy deepfakes to impersonate CEOs in video calls to authorize fraudulent transactions.

3. AI Chatbot Phishing

Scammers are now deploying AI-powered chatbots on websites and social media to interact with users in real time. These bots can convincingly impersonate customer service reps or technical support, leading victims to share passwords, credit card info, or download malware.

4. Fake AI Investment Platforms

There has been a surge in fake “AI-powered” crypto and stock trading platforms, promising exaggerated returns. Fraudsters claim that their AI algorithms can beat the market, luring investors into depositing money that will never be seen again.

5. AI-Generated Emails and Texts

Thanks to AI language models, phishing emails and text messages are becoming grammatically perfect and highly personalized. These messages might closely mimic the tone and writing style of a trusted contact or brand, making phishing harder to detect.

How to Protect Yourself From AI Scams

While the technology behind these scams is complex, protecting yourself doesn’t have to be. Here are actionable steps you can take today:

• Verify Requests: Always double-check unusual requests for money or personal info, even if they appear to be from someone you trust.
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication: Strong security settings can prevent unauthorized account access even if your information is compromised.
• Stay Skeptical: If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is—AI doesn’t change that basic rule of thumb.
• Limit Personal Info Online: Reduce the chances of voice cloning and data scraping by tightening social media privacy settings.
• Use Authentic Communication Channels: Always use verified contact information from official sources when dealing with sensitive matters.

Final Thoughts

AI is transforming our world in incredible ways—but it’s also giving rise to scams that are trickier and more convincing than ever before. By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself against the top AI scams to avoid today.

For more insights on how AI is reshaping cybersecurity, check out this detailed guide from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).