AI Scams Are Getting Smarter: How to Spot the Warning Signs
– By #Midstate IT Team
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is making online scams harder to spot. Scammers can now create fake messages, realistic photos, deepfake videos, and even voice recordings that sound like someone you know. AI can be helpful and fun to use, but it can also be used to trick people into clicking links, sharing personal information, sending money, or believing something that is not true. This weekly tech tip from Midstate Communications explains how AI scams work, what warning signs to watch for, and how South Dakota families can better protect themselves online.What Are AI Scams?
AI scams are fake messages, calls, images, videos, or voices created with artificial intelligence to mislead people. These scams may look or sound real, which makes them especially dangerous.
One growing concern is the use of deepfakes. A deepfake is a fake or altered image, video, or audio clip that can make it appear as if someone said or did something they never actually said or did. Deepfakes may use the face or voice of someone you know, a public figure, a celebrity, or even someone pretending to be from law enforcement or a trusted company.
Why AI Scams Are Harder to Spot
In the past, many scam emails and text messages were easier to recognize because they had poor spelling, strange wording, or obvious mistakes. AI is changing that.
Scammers can now use AI tools to write messages that look more professional and sound more believable. They can also use AI voice cloning to copy a person’s voice from videos or recordings posted online.
That means a scam may come in the form of an urgent text, a professional-looking email, a fake social media profile, or even a phone call that sounds like someone you love.
Common Warning Signs of AI Scams
AI scams can take many forms, but there are a few red flags to watch for.
Asks for money or personal information right away
Creates a sense of panic or urgency
Claims a loved one is in trouble and needs help immediately
Includes a link you were not expecting
Sounds almost right, but something feels off
Comes from a profile you do not recognize
Pushes an offer that seems too good to be true
How to Spot Fake Photos, Videos, and Messages
AI-generated content can be difficult to detect, but there are still some clues to look for.
In photos, watch for unusual hands, extra fingers, warped backgrounds, strange shadows, mismatched earrings, unrealistic teeth, or skin that looks too perfect.
In videos, look for lips that do not match the voice, blinking that seems unnatural, stiff movements, odd shadows, or a voice that sounds flat or slightly off.
In written messages, be cautious if the wording feels generic, overly formal, repetitive, or does not answer specific questions clearly.
No single clue proves something is fake, but these signs should make you stop and double-check.
How to Protect Yourself from AI Scams and Deepfakes
The best protection is to slow down and verify before you act.
If you receive an urgent call or message asking for money, gift cards, account information, passwords, or personal details, do not respond right away. Hang up or stop messaging and contact the person or company directly using a phone number or website you trust.
It is also a good idea to create a family code word. If someone calls claiming to be a loved one in an emergency, ask for the code word before taking action.
Be careful about what you share online, including birthdays, travel plans, personal photos, and videos with your voice. Scammers can use public information to make their messages sound more believable.
Use strong passwords and turn on two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds another layer of protection if someone tries to access your accounts.
Before You Click, Share, or Send Money
Before you believe or share something online, take a moment to verify it. Check the source, search for the information on trusted websites, or do a reverse image search to see where a photo came from.
If a message claims to be from a bank, business, government agency, or service provider, do not click the link in the message. Go directly to the official website or call the organization using a trusted number.
AI can be a useful tool, but it can also be used to mislead people. The goal is not to avoid AI completely. The goal is to stay alert, ask questions, and take a second look when something does not feel right.
Midstate Communications is your local South Dakota fiber-optic internet provider, and we care about helping our customers stay safe online. Pause before you click, double-check before you share, and trust your instincts when something feels off. If you have questions about an email or something you see online give our tech support team a call or text at 605-778-6221.
Last Modified:
