How to protect yourself against AI-powered scams

Scammers thrive on targeting often vulnerable and uninformed individuals and use various tactics to target people online when they least expect it. However, with the increased use of AI-generated technology, scammer tactics are becoming even more difficult to detect.

How AI is helping scammers

Vishing or voice vishing is on the rise, which is where scammers use generative AI voiceovers, deepfakes and voice cloning to create realistic replicas of colleagues, friends or family members by mimicking their appearance and voice on calls.

This can be especially dangerous as criminals are using AI to impersonate senior leadership members in the workplace. These tactics are being designed to trick employees into transferring or approving the transfer of money or leaking sensitive data using emotional manipulation or urgent requests.

Types of AI-powered scams

As mentioned before, there are numerous ways in which scammers are manipulating AI to create believable representations to trick users online. Understanding the different types of scamming methods is important so you can identify them as they occur.

Phishing emails and messages: AI can analyse large datasets to craft personalised messages that can reference interests, recent purchases or online activities to make it seem like it is from a legitimate source.

Voice imitation: Scammers are now using cloned voices that can sound like people you know. Scammers can pretend to be a friend or family member on voice calls and request that you take an immediate action to “help” them.

Deepfake videos: Realistic images, videos and audio clips impersonating people are making it even tricker to decipher what is real. Scammers are using video messages to scam people into transferring money or using business accounts to pay for fake transactions/expenses.

Red flags to look out for:

• Urgent or unusual requests: Pressuring you to act immediately (transfer money, share personal information, click a link).
• Requesting sensitive information over the phone or video call: Asking for passwords, verification codes, information to identify yourself. Legitimate organisations or government agencies will never ask you to confirm this information over the phone, email or video call.
• Too good to be true offers: Promising big rewards, investments or job opportunities.
• Video or voice that sounds “almost right”: AI generated scam content tend to have issues with lighting and proportions, human representations may seem off or too airbrushed, the quality of voice or video may show glitches or jumps.
• Links or attachments from unknown sources: Always hover over email links to ensure it is a legitimate or known source. If you’re unsure about the authenticity of a link or an attachment, do not open it.
• Unverified contact channels: Requests coming from personal email addresses, unknown numbers, or unfamiliar messaging platforms instead of official company channels.

Tips to prevent being scammed

• Confirm caller details: Verify the caller by asking personal questions that you both know if you suspect they are impersonating a friend or family member. Don’t rely on the caller ID or the number they give you.
• Report suspicious calls: If something feels off about the caller, trust your instinct and hang up. Report any suspicious calls to IT support and block the number.
• Do not share passwords: Never share passwords or verification codes over the phone. Legitimate organisations never ask for passwords so this could be a key sign that the caller is a fraud.
• Use a safe word: This is a pre-agreed word, code or phrase used to confirm a person’s identity during sensitive transactions or conversations. It adds a human layer of protection, and they can help to verify identity on calls or texts and can be used when authorising financial or data related actions.
• Always check with another form of contact: Talk to the caller in-person to confirm requests e.g. in the office, call them directly on their phone number or video call device, or via a direct message.

Stay aware and protect yourself from AI scams

Unfortunately, scams are becoming harder to detect with the rise of AI. With awareness, education and the right precautions, you can do your best to stay ahead.

By being aware of the new types of AI powered scams, how to verify suspicious messages or calls, and putting strong practices in place, you can protect yourself online. Staying informed and proactive is important, because even though scams are getting smarter, so can you.