Tech's moving fast. So are the scams.

Lately, fraudsters have been using AI to cook up more convincing ways to separate you from your money. Some of them are almost impressive—until they hit your bank account. Here’s what to watch for, and how to stay one step ahead.

Too-Good-to-Be-True Investments

Scammers are using AI to whip up fake ads, social posts, and even deepfake videos of celebrities or financial "experts". They promise wild returns and direct you to scammy websites that look pretty legit.

Don’t fall for it: If someone’s pushing an investment with huge returns and "no risk," walk away. Then double-check the company through official channels—and only call numbers you find yourself.

"Mom, I'm in trouble" Scams

With just a few seconds of your voice (hello, TikTok), scammers can clone it. Then they call your family pretending to be you—or your kid, grandkid, whoever—begging for urgent cash via wire transfer, gift cards, or crypto.

How to fight it: Hang up. Call your person directly. And maybe set a family "safe word"—something only you would know.

Fake CEO. Real Money Loss.

AI is helping scammers fake emails and voices—so when you get a call from the "CEO" asking you to wire money fast? Yeah, that might not be your CEO.

What to do: Slow down. Verify weird requests through a different channel. (Slack, text, actual conversation.)

AI vs. Identity Checks

Some apps or banks ask for a selfie or video to prove who you are. Scammers are now using AI to fake those, too—tricking systems with deepfake faces or fake IDs.

Stay safer: Turn on account alerts. Use multi-factor authentication. Check your accounts regularly.

Lookalike Websites

Scammers are cloning real sites—banks, government agencies, even the FBI. They might even use AI chatbots to guide you through entering your info, nice and smooth.

Pro tip: Never trust links from ads, texts, or sketchy emails. Type in the address yourself—especially for things like fraud reporting.

5 Fast Rules for Staying Safe

  • If the message feels urgent and secretive? Red flag.
  • Verify everything through a known, trusted method.
  • Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto for emergencies.
  • Talk to your family—especially older or younger members.
  • When in doubt? Pause. Breathe. Double-check.

Bottom line: AI isn’t evil. But scammers using it kind of are. Stay sharp, and trust your gut. It’s smarter than a deepfake.