The Top 5 AI Scams to Watch Out For
Artificial intelligence is making headlines every day — and for good reason. It can help us write, plan, create, and discover in ways that were science fiction just a few years ago. But like every new technology, AI has a darker side: scammers are using it, too.
The tools that can help us also make it easier for criminals to fool people, and the scams are getting more convincing. The good news? Once you know what to watch for, you can protect yourself and enjoy AI without fear.
In Episode 9 of AI for Everyone, I break down the Top 5 AI scams you need to avoid right now. Here’s an overview of what I covered — and how you can stay safe.
1. Voice Cloning Scams
Imagine your phone rings, and you hear a loved one’s voice — panicked, telling you they’re in trouble and need money right away. It sounds real, but it may not be.
AI voice cloning can now create convincing imitations from just a few seconds of audio. Scammers grab clips from social media, then generate fake calls to trick family members into wiring money.
How to stay safe:
- Hang up and call the person back on their known number.
- Set up a family “safe word” that scammers won’t know.
- Be extra cautious with urgent requests involving money.
2. AI Investment Schemes
We’ve all seen the headlines about AI fueling billion-dollar companies. Scammers exploit this buzz with fake “AI-powered” investment opportunities. They’ll promise huge returns, often with slick-looking websites or phony endorsements.
If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
How to stay safe:
- Only invest through reputable financial institutions.
- Research before sending money anywhere.
- Never trust unsolicited pitches online.
3. Deepfake Impersonations
AI can now generate realistic videos of people saying things they never actually said. Scammers use these “deepfakes” to impersonate celebrities, CEOs, or even family members.
A common tactic is pushing fraudulent offers — like fake giveaways, crypto schemes, or charity requests.
How to stay safe:
- Be skeptical of unexpected video messages, even if they look real.
- Double-check information through official channels.
- Don’t click links shared in suspicious videos.
4. Phishing Emails Supercharged by AI
Phishing emails used to be easy to spot — bad grammar, strange wording, obvious fakes. Not anymore. With AI, scammers can generate polished, professional-looking emails that mimic real companies down to the details.
They may even use AI to personalize the message with your name, job title, or other details.
How to stay safe:
- Hover over links before clicking.
- Go directly to a company’s official site instead of trusting email links.
- Enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
5. Fake AI Tools and Apps
Not every “AI app” you see online is what it claims. Some are outright scams designed to steal your data or install malware on your device. Others may look like real AI platforms but trick you into paying for something useless.
How to stay safe:
- Download apps only from official app stores.
- Check reviews and ratings before installing.
- Be wary of any app asking for unnecessary permissions.
Why This Matters
AI is one of the most exciting technologies of our time, but it’s also a tool — and like any tool, it can be misused. For scammers, AI is just a new way to do the same old thing: trick people out of their money and information.
But here’s the good news: once you know the red flags, you’ll be able to spot these scams a mile away. That means you can enjoy the benefits of AI — the fun, the creativity, the usefulness — without falling into traps.
Stay Safe, Stay Curious
AI is here to stay. The best thing we can do is learn how it works, protect ourselves, and then use it to our advantage.
That’s what my podcast, AI for Everyone, is all about — making AI approachable, fun, and safe for people who don’t want the jargon or the hype.
🎧 You can listen to this episode right here:
Did you know? Joel delivers AI keynotes for organizations that want their teams to actually understand and use AI. Learn more.
