AI scams are everywhere — and they’re slick. Here’s how to protect yourself and your family.

Artificial intelligence scams are becoming increasingly prevalent and sophisticated, posing significant risks to individuals and families. The rapid advancements in AI technology, such as the ability to generate realistic video and audio, have made it increasingly difficult to distinguish between genuine content and AI-generated material. This poses a severe threat to the integrity of digital communication.

Voice cloning tools and large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT have made text-based scams more convincing and cost-effective to deploy, exacerbating the problem. According to recent Federal Trade Commission reports, losses due to scams have surged dramatically, from around $600 million in 2020 to approximately $3 billion in 2025. Older adults, in particular, have been disproportionately affected, losing an average of $1,650 in 2024—a stark contrast to the $450 lost by those in their 30s.

The rise of AI-powered scams has prompted the need for enhanced vigilance and safety protocols. Scammers are employing tactics such as voice spoofing and generating fake videos to trick victims, including family members. This underscores the importance of establishing robust verification systems and maintaining a skeptical approach to any urgent or unexpected requests, especially those made over the phone or online.

By fostering a culture of awareness and collaboration within families, individuals can better protect themselves from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated scams.