With scammers diving into the world of artificial intelligence, it’s like we’re in an episode of “Black Mirror,” only real! AI is now being used to create lifelike deepfake videos and cloned voices that are tricking people out of billions. Just last year, Americans lost around $12.5 billion to online scams—a massive leap from the $10.3 billion reported in 2022. And according to the FBI, nearly 40% of those scammed fell for schemes that used AI technology. Let's explore how these scammers are making their moves and how we can protect ourselves.
Scammers have found a new best friend in AI, using it to create deepfake videos and voice clones that sound so authentic it’s hard to tell they’re fake. They’ll pretend to be someone you know, like a friend or even a boss, and ask for personal information or money. Romance scams and fake investment pitches are common methods, but AI has opened the door to new twists that are tough to detect. Arizona, for example, ranks high for online fraud cases, which include these AI-powered scams, where technology is used to mimic voices or break into accounts through password-cracking.
Who’s most at risk?
In short, everyone. AI-driven scams are affecting people nationwide, but older adults and young adults tend to be the most targeted. Scammers use a combination of fear, urgency, and familiarity—posing as loved ones or authority figures—to get people to respond quickly. And it’s working. Some victims reported losing thousands to scammers posing as trusted contacts or loved ones in trouble. Christian Romero, a community manager at Chase Bank, noted that even he’s fallen victim to fraud despite his expertise. The message? Scams can happen to anyone.
Beyond financial loss, these scams threaten your sense of security. Imagine getting a call that sounds like your relative in distress or receiving an investment pitch in a convincing video. AI has made these scenarios all too real, making it easier for scammers to tug on your emotions, influence your choices, and ultimately walk away with your hard-earned money.
How can you protect yourself from AI-driven scams?
- Be Skeptical: If something seems off, trust your gut. Request proof like a video chat or confirmation from the source directly.
- Use Strong Passwords: AI can help scammers try different password combinations quickly. Use complex, unique passwords and two-factor authentication.
- Avoid Giving Personal Info Over the Phone: Scammers often use incoming calls or texts to gather information. If a request seems unusual, hang up and call back a known number for the person or company.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Contact your bank and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center if you suspect fraud.
Quick Tips for Staying Safe
- Pro Tip: Watch out for “deepfake” videos where something seems just slightly off—odd mouth movements or unusual skin tones are clues.
- Did You Know? Crypto payments are often requested by scammers since these transactions are hard to trace.
Stay alert, stay protected
Keywords
- Deepfake Scam: Fraud using AI-altered videos that appear authentic, typically to misrepresent a person’s actions or statements.
- AI-Driven Fraud: The use of artificial intelligence to manipulate media, replicate voices, or automate password cracking to deceive people.
- Crypto Payment Scam: Fraud involving cryptocurrency, commonly used because transactions are hard to reverse or trace.
- Two-Factor Authentication: A security feature requiring an additional step beyond the password, like a code sent to your phone, to verify account access.
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