How to Protect Yourself Against AI Scams
With the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI), AI-driven scams are on the rise. In 2025, $20 billion in total losses was recorded due to internet scams according to the 2025 FBI Internet Crime Report. That is a 26% increase from 2024.
While internet scams and fraud are on the rise, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your information.
Verify Who You’re Talking To
Scammers are now able to use AI for voice cloning to sound like a realistic call from someone you know. If you receive a phone call requesting financial information or immediate financial help, take the time to verify the person’s identity.
You can ask the caller specific questions only that person would know and you can also verify the caller through another channel. Message the person through their known phone number or email to confirm you are talking to them and not a scammer. You can also designate a word or phrase with your loved ones to verify the person on the other end of the phone.
Be Cautious of Urgency
Whether you receive a text message, phone call, or email, be cautious when you’re asked to take immediate action. Scammers will use a sense of urgency to get you to react without recognizing the warning signs of a scam.
If you receive a message asking you to take immediate action, you do not have to act immediately. Take the time to look at the message and think it through before you act. If you feel uncertain about it, you can contact the person or company directly to verify the message.
Use Strong Passwords
The best way to protect your information is to use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. By using different passwords, your other accounts are still secure even if one of them is compromised.
Many accounts also use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to provide an extra layer of security. This means confirmation will be sent through another channel to confirm that it’s you trying to access your account and not someone else. If it’s available, enable MFA to help protect your account even if your password is stolen.
Double Check E-Commerce Sites
Today, it’s easy to find something you want online, buy it, and send it to your front door. It’s also become easy for scammers to use AI to build realistic-looking e-commerce websites. This means real shoppers can order a product from a fake website, which can lead to stolen credit or bank card details. Before clicking any links, double check to make sure this is a website you can trust. You can always ask someone else to double check it, too.
The best way to protect yourself is to take things slow, verify the information you’ve received, and ensure your accounts are secure. If something feels off, trust your judgment.
Source:
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center. 2025 Internet Crime Report. Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2025. doi: https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/2025_ic3report.pdf/view.
