The Big Picture
- AI scams cost Americans nearly $893 million in 2025 (FBI IC3 report) across 22,364 complaints — the FBI included an AI section in its report for the first time.
- Older adults are a prime target because scammers can use social media data to make attacks highly personalized and believable.
The 5 Main Types of AI Scams
| Type | How It Works | Real Example |
|---|---|---|
| Voice cloning | Uses seconds of audio to clone someone’s voice in real-time calls | “Grandparent scam” — caller claims grandchild was arrested, demands bail money; one victim transferred money to Mexico for hours |
| Deepfakes | Fabricated photos/videos/voice that look/sound real | Fake kidnapping proof sent to family demanding ransom; celebrity endorsements of fake health products |
| Phishing emails | AI-generated emails that bypass spam filters, personalized with your data | Emails from bank/government urging immediate action, impossible to distinguish from real ones |
| Fake websites | AI-built sites identical to legitimate ones for fraud | Crypto scams, prize giveaways — you enter your info and lose it all |
| Automated malware | AI creates software that evades antivirus detection | Steals passwords, credit cards, login credentials automatically |
Red Flags to Watch For
- Personal information requests from strangers — SSN, bank details out of nowhere
- Outdated/stale content in documents or links they send
- “Uncanny” AI language — odd phrasing, repetitive words like “delve” or “vital”
- Urgent pressure to act fast — designed so you don’t have time to think
- Unusual payment methods — gift cards, crypto, wire transfers (untraceable)
- Visual/audio inconsistencies in video/voice contacts
- Crypto/investment pitches on social media — fake accounts, fabricated activity
How to Protect Yourself
- Call back anyone claiming urgent trouble on their known number (not the one they called from)
- Create a family code word only close family know — if the “grandchild” can’t recite it, hang up
- Enable two-factor authentication everywhere
- Change passwords every few months minimum (freeze credit for best protection)
- Watch your accounts vigilantly after any suspicious contact
- Install security tools like Trend Micro Check for real-time deepfake detection
- Share what you know with family and friends
If You’ve Been Scammed
- Stop communicating — don’t engage or click anything more
- Verify the situation through a trusted person
- Change all passwords and monitor accounts
- Report it to FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov), local law enforcement, National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-FRAUD-11
- Consider a credit freeze at all three bureaus
The Bottom Line
Knowledge is the primary defense. AI scams are evolving rapidly but always share common patterns — urgency, unusual payment requests, and overly polished language. If it feels “off,” trust that instinct and verify through a second channel before doing anything.
Call your local law enforcement office if you are unsure or feel pressured to act now. When anyone is pressuring you with time limits, asking you to send money, purchase gift cards, send money transfers, or demand access to your online banking. You are not alone; law enforcement or a trusted friend/relative can help give you advice.
FBI Internet Crime Report