Technology can have both positive and negative uses. It all depends on how each person uses it; for example, artificial intelligence is capable of generating a beautiful poem but also of creating and spreading AI scams.
Artificial intelligence has become a major technological development of the decade, above all because of its many practical applications in almost every sector of our lives.
In fact, the use of generative AI has become so widespread that it has even become the new tool chosen by cybercriminals to try to obtain our personal data.
With AI, fraud, scams, and identity theft can make some scams harder to identify, generating false content that we sometimes cannot tell apart from what is real or made by humans.
People already need to be alert when they answer a call from an unknown number, open an email fearing they’ve fallen for a phishing scam, or receive an SMS or WhatsApp message announcing enticing offers. Now, AI scams are adding another cybersecurity concern.
To help you, we’ve listed and explained the main AI scams that are currently circulating. We’ve also included some tips on how to react to them.
Common Types of AI Scams
AI Scams Using Fake Images, Cloned Voices, and Fake Offers
AI scams are another cybersecurity threat that can target personal information and money.
You’re probably wondering how to identify online scams or determine whether an image or voice used in an AI scam is real.
Prevention is important in knowing which AI scams are circulating so we can be vigilant against potential incidents. The following are some common types of AI scams.
Shopping Scams: AI-Generated Fake Content and Offers
By combining phishing or identity theft with AI-powered content generation, cybercriminals are able to create complete websites and e-commerce platforms to sell fake products.
Cybercriminals can use AI to clone, for example, a brand’s website or social media profiles and all its products and promote them using misleading offers. They may also advertise unusually large discounts for a limited time.
Everything, the visual appeal and the sense of urgency, is designed to make you click the “buy” button and enter your personal information, address, and credit card details. But the product may never arrive because it does not exist. However, you may lose money, as the purchase will still be charged to your bank account, and it could be a phishing scam. Some AI scams can be highly convincing. AI scams can also misuse images of public figures.
Our advice: Pay careful attention to your URL structure, since it can contain odd elements that could cause warnings. We also suggest visiting the company’s official website on your own and always verifying the information prior to purchase when possible. It is best to opt for payment methods that provide buyer protection when they are available.
Phishing and AI-Generated Messages
Another kind of AI scam that is developing is using AI text generators to create authentic fake email and SMS messages.
In this case, cybercriminals use artificial intelligence tools like ChptGPT, Gemini, or Copilot to ask users to write texts that are used in phishing or spam messages. Phishing messages are difficult to identify when written by artificial intelligence.
Tips: Do not respond to any private request and always identify the sender. You also need to check the website address carefully before submitting any private information. It is recommended to use anti-virus and update system security software regularly.
AI Used to Access Accounts and Profiles
Another type of AI scam involves cybercriminals using this technology to bypass identity and access controls such as passwords.
For example, by collecting information about you, they can ask AI to generate a profile and attempt to obtain passwords or other access credentials.
They can also use manipulated images or other impersonation techniques to attempt to bypass identity verification.
AI Voice Cloning and Deepfake Scams
AI can be used to clone voices as well as to develop fake, authentic videos. A scammer can use the fake recordings to disguise themselves as a family member, business partner, celebrity or any familiar individual to steal money, passwords or other personal information.
The scams are tricky to spot, as the voice (or video chat) could seem entirely genuine. Don’t respond immediately to an unexpected request. Contact the person or organisation using an available trusted phone number, website or communication.
It is equally essential that you do not depend solely on the appearance and genuineness of a voice, image, or video. Always double-check any suspicious requests made regarding money, passwords, verification codes, and personal information.
Also Read: How To Avoid Cyber Traps And Scams
