Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly changed the way we communicate and interact online, but it’s also opened new doors for scammers. Today’s scammers can use AI to generate highly realistic emails, phone calls, social media posts, and even images or videos that are difficult to distinguish from the real thing. As a result, spotting a scam isn’t always as simple as looking for typos or strange requests.
Here are five AI-powered scams you should know about, how to spot them, and how you can protect yourself:
Imagine getting a call from your child, grandchild, or another loved one saying they're in trouble and urgently need money. The voice sounds very much like them, but it could be AI-generated. Scammers can now use advancements in AI to take short audio clips from anywhere on the internet, create convincing voice clones, and use them in "fake emergency" scams.
Protect yourself: Don't send money based solely on a phone call. Hang up and contact your loved one directly using a number you already have saved. Another way to protect yourself from "fake emergency" scams is creating a family code word or password for emergencies to quickly identify if the request is genuine.
In a similar manner to the "family emergency" voice clone scam, scammers can use AI to impersonate a business executive, coworker, or other trusted person and request money, gift cards, account information or other sensitive information. It's important to note that a message that looks and sounds like it's coming from someone you know doesn't necessarily mean it's legitimate.
Protect yourself: Verify unexpected requests through a separate communication channel—especially when money or sensitive information is involved.
Scammers can create realistic videos, audio clips, or social media posts that appear to feature celebrities, financial experts, or other trusted figures promoting a fake brand or investment opportunity. The technology can make a fraudulent endorsement look remarkably authentic, even when the person never actually made the recommendation.
Protect yourself: Don't invest based on a video, social media post, or celebrity endorsement alone. Be especially cautious of promises of guaranteed returns or pressure to invest immediately.
AI can help scammers create polished emails, texts, and websites that look like they're from your bank, a government agency, a delivery company, or another organization you recognize. These messages may claim that your account is compromised, you owe money, or you need to act immediately. Impersonation scams remain a major source of consumer losses, with the FTC reporting more than $3.5 billion in reported losses from these types of scams in 2025.
Protect yourself: Don't click links or call numbers provided in unexpected messages. Instead contact the organization through its official website, app, or phone number you know is legitimate.
With the use of AI, Scammers can create realistic photos and videos that appear to show real people, products, events, or opportunities. Scammers may use these images and videos to make fake social media accounts, bogus advertisements, or fraudulent offers seem legitimate.
Protect yourself: Don't assume something is real or legitimate solely because it looks professional. Look for inconsistencies, verify the source, and search for independent information before sending money or sharing any sensitive information.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) uses information from scam reports to build cases against scammers, spot trends, and share data about what is happening in your community. If you come across any scams, report it to the FTC. You should also alert your friends, family, and others in your community about a scam, to help other people avoid falling victim to fraud.
Unfortunately, scammers will always be around, constantly finding new ways to steal from you. Your best weapon of defense is education. The more you know about the scams and what to look out for, the better your chances are of not becoming a victim of a scammer.
To learn more about protecting your identity and your money, check out our Security Center.