Avoiding AI Scams and Fakes
AI technology has opened new possibilities for both good and bad actors. Scammers are using AI to create more convincing fakes, and it's important to know how to protect yourself.
What You'll Learn
How to recognize AI-generated scams and fakes, and strategies to protect yourself.
Why This Matters
AI-powered scams are more convincing than ever. Being aware of the tactics helps you stay safe and protect your information, money, and identity.
How Scammers Use AI
Fake Images and Videos (Deepfakes)
- Realistic fake videos of real people
- Manipulated photos
- Fake profile pictures
- Fabricated evidence
Voice Cloning
- AI can mimic someone's voice
- Used for fake phone calls
- Can impersonate family members
- Used in business fraud
Convincing Text
- Phishing emails without typical errors
- Fake customer service chats
- Impersonation messages
- Fake reviews and testimonials
Fake Websites and Apps
- AI-generated content makes sites look legitimate
- Fake customer support
- Convincing but fraudulent services
Common AI-Powered Scams
The "Family Emergency" Call
Someone calls sounding like a family member, claiming to be in trouble and needing money urgently.
Red flags:
- Urgency and pressure
- Request for unusual payment methods
- Caller asks you not to tell others
Protection:
- Hang up and call the family member directly
- Establish a family code word for emergencies
- Never send money based on a call alone
Fake Investment Opportunities
AI-generated videos of celebrities "endorsing" investments, often cryptocurrency.
Red flags:
- Celebrity endorsement of specific investments
- Promises of guaranteed returns
- Pressure to act quickly
Protection:
- Verify through official celebrity accounts
- Research investments independently
- If it sounds too good to be true, it is
Phishing Emails and Messages
AI makes phishing attempts more convincing, with fewer errors and more personalization.
Red flags:
- Unexpected requests for login info
- Urgency to "verify" accounts
- Links that don't match the claimed sender
Protection:
- Don't click links in unexpected emails
- Go directly to websites, don't click through
- Verify requests through official channels
Fake Customer Service
AI chatbots posing as company support to steal your information.
Red flags:
- "Support" that contacts you first
- Requests for passwords or payment details
- Conversations outside official apps/websites
Protection:
- Only use support channels from official websites
- Never share passwords with "support"
- Be suspicious of unsolicited contact
Romance Scams
AI-generated profile pictures and convincing conversation to build fake relationships.
Red flags:
- Too-perfect photos
- Quick emotional intensity
- Can never video chat
- Eventually asks for money
Protection:
- Reverse image search profile photos
- Video chat before investing emotionally
- Never send money to someone you haven't met
How to Spot AI-Generated Content
Fake Images
- Look for distortions (extra fingers, asymmetric features)
- Check backgrounds for inconsistencies
- Use reverse image search
- Look at the person's ears and teeth
Fake Videos
- Watch for unnatural movements
- Look at lighting and shadows
- Check if the voice syncs properly
- Be skeptical of shocking content
Fake Audio
- Listen for unusual pacing
- Notice if emotional tone seems off
- Verify by calling the person back
- Ask something only the real person would know
Fake Text
- Check for unusual communication patterns
- Verify through secondary channels
- Look for requests that are out of character
- Be suspicious of urgency
Try It Yourself
Practice critical thinking:
General Protection Strategies
Verification is Key
- If it's important, verify through a second channel
- Call known numbers, not numbers in messages
- Check official websites directly
Slow Down
- Scams rely on urgency
- Take time to think and verify
- Legitimate organizations don't pressure you
Trust Your Instincts
- If something feels off, investigate
- Unusual requests deserve scrutiny
- It's okay to be "rude" and hang up to verify
Keep Information Private
- Don't share sensitive info over phone or message
- Use official channels for sensitive matters
- Be skeptical of unsolicited contact
What If You've Been Scammed?
- Don't panic - Many people fall for scams
- Document everything - Save messages, numbers, etc.
- Report it - To police, FTC, and relevant platforms
- Protect your accounts - Change passwords, monitor credit
- Warn others - Help prevent others from falling victim
Pro Tip
Create a family verification protocol:
- Establish a code word for emergencies
- Agree to always verify unusual requests
- Make it okay to be skeptical
- Have a "call back" rule for money requests
Common Questions
Q: How common are AI scams?
A: Increasingly common. As AI improves, scams become more convincing. Awareness is your best defense.
Q: Can AI be used to detect AI scams?
A: Yes, some tools detect deepfakes and fake content. But it's an arms race - your own skepticism is still the best defense.
Q: Are only elderly people targeted?
A: No. Scammers target everyone. Different scams target different demographics.
Q: What if a scam seems obvious to me but not to family members?
A: Have conversations about scams before they happen. Make it safe for family to check with each other without embarrassment.
What's Next
We've covered how to avoid being harmed by AI. In the final lesson of this module, we'll explore using AI ethically ourselves.