Trending AI Scams: How to Recognize and Protect Yourself from Emerging Threats By: Vivian Havlin

Trending AI Scams: How to Recognize and Protect Yourself from Emerging Threats

By Vivian Havlin

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought us some amazing innovations — from Siri answering our random questions to customer service bots saving us hours on the phone. It’s woven into almost every part of our lives. But with every new technology, there’s always a dark side. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are now using AI in ways we never imagined — creating scams that are smarter, sneakier, and scarier.

If you think you're safe because you’re tech-savvy — think again. These new AI scams are designed to trick even the most cautious among us. Let’s dive into the top AI-driven scams trending right now — and, more importantly, how you can protect yourself and those you care about.

1. Deepfake Phishing: When Your Boss (or Loved One) Isn’t Really Them

Phishing scams have been around forever, but AI is making them eerily convincing. Criminals are now using deepfake technology to clone voices and faces, creating fake emails, calls, and even video messages from people you know and trust.

How it happens:

• A scammer uses AI to mimic your boss's voice and leaves a voicemail asking you to urgently wire money.

• Or they send a video of your CEO “asking” for confidential information — and it looks shockingly real.

How to stay safe:

• Double-check everything: If someone asks for money or sensitive info, call them back — even if the message seems real.

• Stay calm: Scammers love creating fake urgency. Pause, think, verify.

• Use AI security tools: Many companies now offer tech that can spot deepfakes before you get fooled.

2. Fake Reviews and Ratings: When 5 Stars Can't Be Trusted

We all read online reviews before buying something, right? Well, scammers know that too. They’re using AI to pump out fake, glowing reviews for products and businesses — making junk look like gold.

How it happens:

• Bots write hundreds of believable (but fake) reviews using AI.

• Fake social media accounts post raving recommendations.

How to stay safe:

• Look for weird patterns: If every review sounds the same or strangely generic, it’s a red flag.

• Check multiple sources: Don’t just trust Amazon. Look at other websites or forums too.

• Trust verified buyers: Stick with platforms that confirm real purchases before allowing reviews.

3. Fake Customer Service Chatbots: Help That's Actually a Trap

Ever popped onto a company's website and chatted with a support agent? Well, now scammers are setting up fake websites with AI chatbots pretending to be customer service.

How it happens:

• You Google “support for [company]” and click a convincing fake site.

• Their AI chatbot asks for your password, credit card number, or personal info.

How to stay safe:

• Always check the website URL: Make sure you’re on the company’s real page — not a lookalike.

• Never share sensitive info via chatbot: A real company won’t ask for your password or SSN that way.

• Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA): It adds a safety net even if your info leaks.

4. AI-Generated Fake News: Lies That Look Like Truth

It’s getting harder to know what’s real anymore. AI is now creating fake news articles, videos, and social media posts that can easily fool anyone scrolling by.

How it happens:

• AI writes "news" stories that sound legitimate but are completely made up.

• Deepfake videos show people saying things they never actually said.

How to stay safe:

• Verify your sources: Trust reputable outlets and double-check stories before sharing.

• Watch for clickbait: Sensational headlines are often bait for fake news.

• Use fact-checkers: Sites like Snopes and FactCheck.org can quickly spot lies.

5. Romance Scams: When the “Perfect Match” is an AI Bot

Finding love online should be exciting — not dangerous. But now, scammers are using AI chatbots on dating apps to create fake relationships and exploit your trust.

How it happens:

• A friendly, charming "person" (really a chatbot) chats with you, building a connection.

• Eventually, they ask for money for emergencies, travel expenses, or gifts.

How to stay safe:

• Guard your heart (and your info): Don’t overshare early on.

• Spot red flags: If someone you’ve never met asks for money, it’s probably a scam.

• Do a reverse image search: Check their photos to see if they’re stolen from someone else.

Final Thoughts

AI has brought incredible opportunities — but it’s also opened the door to scams that are more convincing than ever before. The good news? Awareness is your best defense.

Stay alert. Question what you see, hear, and read. Protect your personal information like it’s gold — because in today’s world, it is.

Until next time, stay informed, stay safe, and watch out for one another. Because when we know better, we protect better.

Need help or have questions?

📞 Call our office at 305-470-1670

🌐 Visit us online at www.citizenscrimewatch.org