AI Scams 101: Same Red Flags, New Packaging

AI is doing some amazing things, like letting computers respond to questions in a human-like way (that’s the “Large Language Model” part), generate images, create videos, and even mimic real voices.

And because scammers are basically raccoons with Wi-Fi, they didn’t waste time using AI to turbocharge their con games. Here’s the key takeaway: the packaging is new, but the playbook is the same. They still want to pressure you into sharing sensitive information or sending money fast.

What AI Changes (and What It Doesn’t)

What’s changing

AI can help scammers sound more convincing by:

• Writing smoother, more professional emails and texts (fewer typos doesn’t mean it’s legitimate).
• Creating deepfake audio/video to impersonate real people.
• Mimicking a loved one’s voice using audio pulled from places like social media.
• Spoofing caller ID so it looks like someone you trust is calling.

What’s not changing

Scammers still rely on the same classic “ingredients”:

• Pressure to act immediately
• Scare tactics or enticing offers
• An offer that’s too good to be true
• Demands for money, typically in an unusual form (wire transfer, gift card, pay app, cryptocurrency)
• Requests for sensitive or personal information

The Red Flags Checklist (Works for AI Scams Too)

If you spot any of these, slow down:

• Unsolicited call/text/email asking you to “verify” personal information
• A link that takes you to a login page (especially from a text)
• Requests for passwords, PINs, or one-time passcodes
• Pressure to act immediately or “stay on the phone”
• Payment demanded in unusual ways (gift cards, crypto, wire transfers)
• A caller insisting you use their phone number or link to “fix it”

Your move: Pause. Verify. Then act.

Deepfakes + Impersonation: How to Verify Before You Trust

One of the most unsettling AI scams is voice cloning: a scammer collects audio data (sometimes from social media), clones a voice, and calls a family member, often with spoofed caller ID, claiming there’s an emergency and begging for money.

Protect yourself from voice-cloning scams

• Create a family phrase (“safe word”). Use it to verify identity when something feels off.
• Don’t rely on caller ID. It can be spoofed.
• If it feels off, hang up. Call the person back using a number you already know is theirs.
• Be suspicious of crypto requests. Especially if it’s framed as “urgent” medical bills, bail, or an emergency payment.

Scam-Proofing Your Household: A 15-Minute Family Plan

You don’t need a 50-page binder. You need a plan your household will actually use.

1) Pick a family safe word (2 minutes)

Make it weird on purpose. A silly phrase is harder to guess and easier to remember.

2) Set simple household rules (5 minutes)

• No one sends money under pressure.
• No one shares codes, passwords, or PINs, ever.
• No one clicks login links from texts/emails.
• We verify using trusted numbers we already have.

3) Make a “trusted contacts” list (5 minutes)

Write down:

• Your financial institution’s official phone number (from your card/statement/official website)
• Key family member phone numbers
• A trusted friend/relative to call if someone feels pressured

4) Agree on the script (3 minutes)

Practice one sentence: “I’m hanging up and calling you back.”

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed (Stay Calm, Act Fast)

First: don’t beat yourself up. Scams are designed to work on smart people who are busy, stressed, or pressured.

Then do this:

1) Stop the interaction

• Hang up, stop replying, close the browser.
• If you gave remote access, disconnect from the internet and shut down the device.

2) Secure your accounts

• Lock/freeze your card if you have card controls or contact your financial institution immediately.
• Change your online banking password (and your email password if you clicked a link).
• Turn on multi-factor authentication where available.

3) Contact your financial institution directly

Use official contact details from your card, statement, or official website—not contact info provided in the message.

4) Document what happened

• Take screenshots of texts/emails
• Note phone numbers used
• Copy links/websites
• Write down what information was shared (if any)

5) Monitor your accounts

Keep a close eye on activity for the next 30–60 days and set up account alerts if available.

For additional guidance, see What to Do If You Think You’re Being Scammed (or Have Been Scammed), or you can reference Michigan’s consumer protection information on AI scams here:
Artificial Intelligence and Scams (Michigan.gov)