Scammers Up Their Game With AI: Part 1

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with more emails, phone calls, and text messages crafted to look and sound like the real thing. This is happening increasingly more because thieves are adding artificial intelligence (AI) to their arsenal of tools to transform their tricks into messaging that genuinely looks like it’s coming from a person you know and trust.

In part one of this blog series, we explore the top ways scammers use AI and what you can do to protect yourself.

How Scammers Are Using AI

• AI-Powered Phishing Attacks. Phishing attacks have been around for decades, but AI makes them far more convincing. AI can analyze large amounts of data to craft messages that look and sound authentic, increasing the chances of tricking victims into clicking malicious links or providing personal information.
• Deepfake Scams. Deepfake technology allows scammers to create realistic videos and audio clips that impersonate real people. Some examples include fake videos of CEOs instructing employees to transfer money or of celebrities endorsing fraudulent products.
• Generate Realistic Conversations. Scammers are using AI chatbots that can hold realistic conversations with potential victims. These bots can appear very convincing while pretending to be customer service agents, a friend or family member, or even government officials. The goal is to trick you into sharing sensitive information or sending money.
• Fake Profiles. AI can scan all of a person’s online footprint to create a realistic profile and social media accounts. Scammers then use these fake personas to try and steal information and money from you.

Just as the scammers are adding more tools to their toolbelt, we are also adding steps that you can take to protect yourself and your data. In part two of this blog series, we will share tools that you can use to combat their attempts to scam you.