Protect Yourself From AI Powered Scammers

How to Spot and Avoid Common Digital Scams

Bad actors have always targeted the vulnerable and the elderly. The concept of a “flimflam” man or a con artist has been the subject of some great movies. However, the romance of the con artist fades quickly when you or someone you love falls victim to fraud. Today’s technology, while making life easier in many ways, has also provided these criminals with new tools that enhance the quality of their deception and increase the number of potential victims they can exploit by leveraging AI tools.

Artificial Intelligence and Scamming 

Today’s technology was developed with the intention of helping mankind improve the quality of life. However, it has also given rise to “Deep Fake Scams,” where AI-generated videos or voices can replicate the voice of a loved one or a person in authority. You might even see a familiar caller ID that fools you into thinking it’s someone you know. It’s frightening, but there are steps you can take to avoid being duped by these sophisticated scams.

Be Skeptical! 

If you receive a call from anyone, including a friend or relative, requesting money for an immediate “emergency,” be skeptical! Scammers rely on fear and a sense of urgency to cloud your judgment. They may request personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account number, which will be used to steal from you. Any request for an untraceable payment is another red flag. This could be a request for gift cards, a wire transfer, a payment app, or cryptocurrency. A genuine friend or relative won’t care if a legitimate payment is traceable.

What Other Methods Do Scammers Use to Deceive People? 

 

Family Emergency:  This common scam often involves a somewhat distant family member who is in immediate financial peril and needs your help. They might claim to be trapped overseas, about to be arrested, have been arrested, involved in an accident, or being blackmailed, etc. The scammer wants to cause anxiety and create a sense of urgency. It also typically involves  a request for secrecy, so you don’t seek counsel from others. 

Financial Institution Scams:  You might receive a call, email, or text from your bank claiming that your account has been hacked or your PIN compromised. You’ll be instructed to transfer your money immediately to prevent losing it all. You might even be sent a link via email or text that appears professional and includes the logo of your bank, PayPal, or another financial institution. If you receive any communication from a financial institution asking for a transfer of money, it’s almost certainly a scam. Rule number one:

– DO NOT CLICK ON ANY LINKS!

– DO NOT CALL OR TEXT BACK!

If you want to confirm whether it’s a scam, contact your bank directly by phone or through their official website.

Charity Scams:  Compassionate and generous people often have their heartstrings pulled by scammers who use natural disasters and other tragedies to line their pockets. Social media is notorious for charity scams that appear after an event when people feel compelled to help victims. Don’t rush to donate; your contribution will still be useful if it arrives after you’ve done your homework on the legitimacy of the charity. It’s recommended that you have a few trusted charities to whom you can donate in emergencies ensuring your donation goes to organizations that can help.

Romance Scams:  Fake profiles on dating sites are created to engage lonely people in a digital relationship that will eventually lead to a request for money.

Government Scams:  Scammers will impersonate officials from Social Security or Medicare, attempting to trick you into divulging your personal information.

Tech Support Scams:  A scammer may claim that your computer has a virus, or that your computer security has been compromised, or that you have an existing maintenance contract with a nonexistent support firm that needs renewal. 

What are Some Things I Can Do to Stay Safe?

• Ask detailed questions that wouldn’t be easily known through a simple social media search.
• Request to call them back using a trusted number. If the call doesn’t go through, text or call someone else to try the same number.
• Consider having a safety phrase that only your loved ones know. This will make it easier to determine if the caller is real or a fraudster.
• Be suspicious of any unsolicited calls or emails that try to scare you, ask for money in unusual forms of payment, or requesting money from a charity you’re not already familiar with.

Can I Report a Scam? 

Yes, you should report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or view this tutorial on filing a complaint. They are actively working to investigate scams and prosecute perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law.

Vigilance and a Healthy Skepticism is Your Best Defense

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, leveraging technology to deceive unsuspecting victims. By understanding common tactics and implementing protective measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling prey to these schemes. If something feels off, it probably is. Always verify information through trusted sources and never rush into making decisions about sending people money or revealing personal information. By staying vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the evil efforts of digital criminals.