AI scams are becoming more advanced, and the days of spotting obvious phishing emails or dodgy phone calls are long gone.
Scammers are now using deepfake videos, voice cloning, and AI-generated messages that look and sound incredibly real. This means anyone — yes, even super tech-savvy people — can be tricked if they’re not careful. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to stay aware, question things that don’t feel right, and take a few extra steps to keep your information safe. Here are some tips that should help you out.
1. Don’t trust every phone call, even if the voice sounds familiar.
AI voice cloning is getting so realistic that scammers can now imitate family members, friends, or even your boss with just a short audio clip. This means a call from a “loved one” in distress could be completely fake, designed to trick you into sending money or sharing personal details. The worst part is that scammers often target older relatives who may not know this technology exists. If you ever get an urgent call from someone asking for money or sensitive information, don’t act immediately. Hang up and call the person back on their normal number. If you’re still unsure, ask them a personal question only they would know the answer to.
2. Be suspicious of sudden, urgent money requests.
Source: Unsplash Scammers rely on panic to stop you from thinking clearly. Whether it’s a fake bank alert, an AI-generated message from a “friend,” or an urgent request from a supposed family member, the goal is always to pressure you into making a quick decision. The more rushed you feel, the more likely it is that something is off. Before transferring money or sharing financial details, take a moment to verify. Call the person directly, check with your bank using their official number, or ask someone you trust for advice. Scammers hate it when people stop and think.
3. Don’t believe everything you see in videos and images.
Source: Unsplash AI-generated deepfakes are making it easier than ever to spread misinformation, impersonate public figures, or trick people into believing false stories. Scammers use these tools to fake celebrity endorsements, create misleading news, or impersonate people to gain trust. If something seems shocking, out of character, or too good to be true, it probably is. If you come across a questionable video, do a reverse image search, check credible news sources, or look for inconsistencies in facial expressions or lip movements. AI is good, but it’s not perfect. There are still subtle signs that something is off.
4. Watch out for AI-generated scam emails and texts.
Gone are the days of badly written scam emails filled with spelling mistakes. AI can now generate professional-looking emails and texts that sound completely legitimate. Some scams even include real details about you that have been scraped from social media or data leaks, making them even more convincing. Never click on links in unexpected emails or texts, especially those claiming to be from banks, delivery companies, or government agencies. If you’re unsure, go directly to the company’s official website or contact them using their verified customer service details.
5. Secure your accounts with strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
AI scams often start with leaked personal data, so protecting your online accounts is crucial. Weak passwords, reused logins, and old security questions make it easy for scammers to gain access. Once they’re in, they can steal your identity, impersonate you, or drain your accounts. Use strong, unique passwords for every account and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. A password manager can help keep track of everything. The more secure your accounts are, the harder it is for scammers to get in.
6. Stop oversharing personal details on social media.
Scammers often start by gathering information from social media to make their scams more believable. Posting details about your location, upcoming travel plans, workplace, or family members makes it easier for criminals to impersonate you or your loved ones. Even something as simple as sharing your pet’s name could be a problem if you use it as a security question. Check your privacy settings and limit what you post publicly. If scammers can’t find enough details to work with, their job becomes much harder.
7. Be cautious with customer service chats and online help requests.
AI-powered chatbots are being used to impersonate customer service representatives, tricking people into giving away personal details. Fake social media accounts claiming to be official customer support pages are also becoming more common. These scams often target people who are already frustrated and looking for quick solutions. Before sharing any sensitive information, make sure you’re talking to a verified source. Go to the company’s official website and use their direct customer support options rather than trusting links from random social media accounts.
8. Be sceptical of investment opportunities that seem too perfect.
AI-generated scams are flooding the internet with fake investment opportunities, particularly in cryptocurrency. These scams often use deepfake videos of celebrities endorsing them, fake reviews, and AI-generated success stories. Once people invest, the scammers disappear, and the money is gone forever. If an investment sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always research financial opportunities through trusted sources and never send money based on a random online ad.
9. Educate older family members about AI scams.
Many AI scams specifically target older people who may not be familiar with new technology. Fake “grandparent scams” use AI voice cloning to impersonate a family member in distress, while phishing emails trick them into giving away passwords and financial information. Without awareness, it’s easy to fall for these tricks. Take time to explain AI scams to your relatives and teach them to double-check any suspicious calls or messages. Encourage them to contact a trusted family member before making any financial decisions.
10. Always trust your instincts—if something feels off, question it.
AI scams work because they manipulate emotions — fear, excitement, urgency, or guilt. If something makes you feel pressured to act immediately, take a step back. Whether it’s an urgent message, a too-good-to-be-true offer, or an unexpected call, it’s always worth double-checking. Scammers rely on people reacting quickly and without thinking. Taking an extra moment to verify before you act can be the difference between staying safe and getting scammed.
