As AI tools become more powerful and more common, scammers are getting smarter too. They are using AI to fake voices, create convincing emails, and impersonate people you know. This might sound scary, but do not worry. If you know what to look for, you can protect yourself. Let us walk through the warning signs of AI-powered fraud and what you can do about it.
The most common AI scams
Scammers are using AI in a few main ways right now. They are creating fake videos or audio of public figures. They are sending emails that look like they come from your bank or a company you trust, but they are written by AI. They are impersonating family members via text or phone call, using AI to copy their voice. And they are creating entire fake websites that look identical to the real thing.
Red flag number one: It asks for money or sensitive information
This is the golden rule. If an email, text, or phone call is asking you to send money, click a link to log in, or share your password, Social Security number, or bank details — stop. Your real bank will never ask for this via email or text. Your real family member would not suddenly ask you to wire money without calling you first. If you are unsure, hang up or close the email, look up the official phone number yourself, and call them back.
Red flag number two: The email or message sounds off
AI can write convincingly, but it is not perfect. Sometimes the tone feels cold or oddly formal. Sometimes there are tiny grammatical mistakes or the phrasing is just a little too stiff. If a message that claims to be from a friend or family member does not sound like them, ask questions. Call them directly. Do not click any links or give any information until you have verified it is really them.
Red flag number three: The website or email address looks almost right, but not quite
Scammers create fake websites and email addresses that are very close to the real thing. Maybe it is paypa1.com instead of paypal.com (notice the number 1 instead of the letter l). Or an email from "amazom-account@service.xyz" instead of Amazon's real domain. Always double-check the full email address and website URL before entering any information. When in doubt, do not click. Instead, go to the official website yourself by typing it directly into your browser.
Red flag number four: Someone is impersonating a family member in an urgent situation
You get a call or text that sounds like your grandchild saying they are in jail and need bail money. Or your "bank" is warning you that your account has been compromised and you need to act now. This pressure and urgency is a sign of a scam. Real banks and family members will give you time to think. If someone pressures you to act immediately, it is probably not who they say they are. Hang up, call the person directly at a number you know, and verify the story.
What you can do right now
Set up a code word with your family members. If either of you ever reaches out asking for money or sensitive information, you have a secret word to verify identity. It sounds simple, but it is very effective. Tell your family and close friends about this beforehand so they understand why you are asking.
Use multi-factor authentication on any account that matters. This means logging in requires a password plus a second step, like a code sent to your phone. Even if a scammer gets your password, they cannot get into your account without that second code.
If something feels off, trust your gut. Your instinct is often right. If a message seems suspicious, take time before responding. Sleep on it. Ask a trusted family member or friend what they think. Remember: it is better to be cautious than to lose money or have your identity stolen. And if you do fall for a scam, report it immediately to your bank, the FTC (Federal Trade Commission), or local police. You are not alone, and reporting helps protect others.