Common AI Scams: What You Need to Know

Protect Your Privacy and Stay Safe Online By Learning to Spot These Scams

AI scams are on the rise. And they’re getting more sophisticated every day.

Staying on top is nearly impossible unless it’s part of your day job. So to help out, we published a free guide a few months back on how to Spot and Avoid AI Scams (link).

This post is effectively a supplement to the free guide.

New readers that sign up for the newsletter receive an instant link to download a copy. Readers that signed up before the guide was available can get a copy by sending us a message. 👇

Now onto the post…

Many of the common AI scams are variations of existing scams. Some even predate the internet, like Romance Scams, but are updated to fit the technology of the day. Understanding the most common types of scams and their AI variations can help you stay alert and protect your personal information and finances.

Below is a breakdown of some of the most prevalent AI scams you should be aware of. Before continuing, if you’re not a subscriber already, be sure to subscribe to keep up to date on the latest privacy trends and to receive our exclusive insider tips to safeguard your personal information.

1. AI-Generated Phishing Scams

What It Is:

Phishing scams involve deceptive emails, messages, or websites designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers. With AI, these scams have become even more convincing, generating personalized content that mimics legitimate communications from trusted sources.

How It Works:

• AI algorithms analyze data from social media profiles, public records, and other online sources to create highly tailored phishing messages.

• These messages often appear to come from companies or people you know, with correct logos, email addresses, and personalized greetings.

How to Spot It:

• Look for subtle discrepancies in the sender's email address or website URL.

• Be wary of urgent requests or threats that push you to act quickly without verifying the source.

• Check for unusual language or poor grammar, which can be a sign of an automated message.

2. Deepfake Scams

What It Is:

Deepfakes are manipulated videos or audio recordings that use AI to create realistic but fake content. These are the scams that get the most attention in the press. Scammers use deepfakes to impersonate individuals, often in video calls or voice messages, to deceive victims into sending money or disclosing confidential information. Corporations are at particular risk because of the high payoff for a successful ruse.

How It Works:

• AI software analyzes real video or audio footage of a person to create a fake version that appears genuine.

• Scammers may use deepfake videos to impersonate a CEO or other authority figure, requesting urgent financial transfers or confidential information.

How to Spot It:

• Be suspicious of unexpected requests, even if they appear to come from a known source.

• Verify the identity of the person through a secondary channel, such as a direct phone call.

• Look for unnatural facial movements or discrepancies in audio quality, which can be indicators of a deepfake.

3. AI-Powered Identity Theft

What It Is:

AI-powered identity theft involves the use of AI to gather and exploit your personal information, often leading to financial fraud or other forms of identity theft. Scammers use AI to automate and enhance their data collection methods, making it easier to steal your identity.

How It Works:

• AI tools scan public databases, social media, and other online sources to compile detailed profiles of potential victims.

• Scammers then use this information to impersonate you, opening credit accounts, making purchases, or committing other fraudulent activities in your name.

How to Spot It:

• Monitor your credit report regularly for unauthorized activity.

• Be vigilant about sharing personal information online, even on seemingly secure platforms.

• Consider identity theft protection services to alert you to potential threats.

One of the best things you can do to protect yourself from AI scams is to remove your personal information from Google and the data broker sites. That starves the scammers of vital information, making you a much harder target. You can DIY, or pay a reasonable fee to DeleteMe to do it for you. Sign up today and get 20% off using our affiliate link here. We’ve used DeleteMe for almost five years and appreciate the peace of mind and massive time savings.

4. AI-Generated Fake Reviews and Bots