Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed various industries, streamlining tasks and unlocking new opportunities. However, as AI evolves, so do the methods of scammers, who are now leveraging AI to execute more sophisticated frauds. Below are five common AI scams you should be aware of to stay safe in the digital landscape.
5 AI Scams to Be Aware of in 2024
1. AI-Generated Phishing Emails
AI scams often begin with phishing emails, but these are no longer the generic, error-filled messages of the past. AI tools now enable scammers to create highly personalized and convincing phishing attempts. These emails often appear to come from trusted institutions like banks or e-commerce platforms. AI analyzes your online behavior, making these messages tailored to your recent activities, increasing the likelihood of you falling for the scam
How to stay safe: Always double-check the sender’s email address and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unexpected emails.
2. Voice Cloning Scams
One of the more alarming AI scams involves voice cloning. Using just a few seconds of audio, AI can replicate a person’s voice with eerie accuracy. Scammers have used this technology in so-called “grandparent scams” where they pose as a family member in distress, requesting urgent financial help. Celebrities and public figures are also targets, with scammers cloning their voices to promote fake giveaways or solicitations
How to stay safe: If you receive an unexpected call from a family member asking for help, try to verify their identity through a secondary method, like asking them a personal question.
3. Deepfake Video Scams
Deepfake technology, a rising concern in AI scams, involves creating hyper-realistic fake videos of individuals. These videos can make it appear as though someone is saying or doing things they never did. Scammers use deepfakes to promote fake investment opportunities or create fake celebrity endorsements for fraudulent products. Some even use real-time deepfakes during video calls, particularly in romance scams
How to stay safe: Be skeptical of any video or video call that seems suspicious, and verify the content by checking official sources.
4. AI-Generated Fake Websites
In this AI scam, scammers use AI to generate highly convincing fake websites that mimic legitimate businesses. These websites often offer products at unbelievably low prices, luring victims into sharing personal or financial information. Some are designed to mimic well-known services, tricking you into entering sensitive data like passwords or payment details
How to stay safe: Always verify the URL of the website, and avoid deals that seem too good to be true. Ensure you’re purchasing only from trusted platforms.
5. AI-Powered Social Engineering Attacks
Scammers now use AI-driven social engineering to manipulate individuals into sharing personal information. AI-powered chatbots are increasingly sophisticated, mimicking human conversation to gain trust. Whether posing as customer support or a trusted friend on social media, these bots can lead to compromised personal information and financial loss
How to stay safe: Be cautious when interacting with online chatbots, especially those that ask for sensitive information. If in doubt, contact the company through official channels to verify the legitimacy of the interaction.
Protecting Yourself from them
The rise of AI scams is an evolving threat, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Always verify the sources of communications, avoid sharing personal information over untrusted channels, and invest in strong cybersecurity measures like multi-factor authentication and password management tools
As AI continues to advance, so do the risks. Staying informed and vigilant is your best defense against these emerging fraud techniques.
