Skip to main content
    New Threat Landscape

    The new reality: AI changes who can scam you

    The voice on the phone, the face on the video call, the friend in the chat. Any of them can now be generated by a machine. Here is what that looks like in your everyday life, and what to do about it.

    Read the anchor piece by Jude Annan
    Learn About AI ThreatsResponsible AI Use

    3 sec

    Audio needed to clone a voice

    60%

    Higher click rate for AI phishing

    $6B

    Annual synthetic identity fraud

    500%

    Increase in deepfake scams (2024)

    AI-Powered Threats You Need to Know

    Criminals are using AI to create more convincing scams than ever before. Understanding these threats is your first line of defense.

    high risk
    When a video shows a familiar face doing something shocking

    Deepfake Videos & Images

    AI now generates fake videos convincing enough to fool a quick glance. The clip you saw of your boss, your kid, or a public figure may not be real.

    "In 2024, scammers used deepfake video calls impersonating CEOs to trick employees into transferring millions of dollars."

    Learn more
    critical risk
    When a phone call sounds exactly like someone you love

    AI Voice Cloning

    A few seconds of audio is now enough to clone a voice. The frantic call from your grandchild or your boss can be entirely fake.

    "Criminals cloned a teen's voice from social media to call parents demanding ransom for a fake kidnapping."

    Learn more
    high risk
    When an email looks too clean and personal to be a scam

    AI-Enhanced Phishing

    AI writes personalized, grammatically perfect emails that reference your real life. The classic warning signs are gone.

    "The Europol IOCTA 2025 report confirms AI-generated phishing emails now eliminate traditional warning signs like grammar errors, and the Verizon 2025 DBIR found AI-generated phishing emails have doubled since prior reports."

    Learn more
    medium risk
    When an online friend or partner finally feels real

    AI Chatbot Scams

    AI-powered chatbots can hold a steady, caring conversation for weeks. The connection feels real long before the ask for money arrives.

    "Europol's IOCTA 2025 confirms criminals use AI to personalize grooming and fraud messages at scale, managing hundreds of 'relationships' simultaneously across multiple languages."

    Learn more
    high risk
    When the person on the other side does not exist

    AI Synthetic Identity Fraud

    AI assembles entirely fake people with photos, profiles, and credit history. The vendor, recruiter, or new friend you trust may have been made up last week.

    "According to Federal Reserve estimates, synthetic identity fraud costs billions of dollars annually. AI generates fake IDs, social profiles, and credit histories."

    Learn more

    Using AI Responsibly

    AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini can be incredibly helpful, but only if you use them safely. Follow these guidelines to protect yourself.

    Protect Your Data
    • Never share passwords, financial info, or SSN with AI chatbots
    • Avoid uploading sensitive documents to free AI tools
    • Read privacy policies before using AI services
    • Use AI tools that don't train on your private data
    • Be cautious about what you share in AI conversations
    Verify AI Outputs
    • AI can confidently state false information
    • Always verify facts from AI with trusted sources
    • Don't rely solely on AI for medical, legal, or financial advice
    • Check AI-generated content for accuracy before sharing
    • Be skeptical of AI-generated news or statistics
    Recognize AI Content
    • Look for AI watermarks or disclosure statements
    • Check for unnatural patterns in images (hands, backgrounds)
    • Listen for robotic or unnatural speech patterns
    • Verify video sources through official channels
    • Use AI detection tools when suspicious
    Safe AI Practices
    • Use reputable AI services from established companies
    • Keep AI applications updated for security patches
    • Report AI-generated scams and misinformation
    • Teach children about AI capabilities and limits
    • Stay informed about emerging AI threats

    What NOT to Share with AI Chatbots

    Even reputable AI services may store and learn from your conversations. Keep this information private.

    Passwords or login credentials
    Social Security numbers
    Bank account or credit card numbers
    Personal phone numbers or addresses
    Confidential work documents
    Private information about others
    Medical records or health information
    Legal documents or contracts

    AI Safety for Your Situation

    Get targeted guidance for your specific needs.

    Put Your Knowledge Into Practice

    Use our free tools to detect AI-powered threats and protect yourself.

    GCR Scam Guard

    Analyze suspicious URLs, emails, and messages for AI-generated threats.

    AI Scam Analyzer

    Get AI-powered analysis of suspicious content and phishing attempts.

    Password Generator

    Create strong, unique passwords to secure your accounts against AI attacks.

    Stay Ahead of AI Threats

    The AI threat landscape evolves rapidly. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest AI safety tips and threat alerts.

    Subscribe to Updates
    Content last reviewed: February 2026