Outsmarting AI: 4 Tips to Stay Safe from AI-Powered Scams

Artificial intelligence is transforming nearly every part of our lives — and unfortunately, cybercriminals are cashing in on the technology too. Many scammers are now using advanced AI tools to sound more convincing, look more legitimate, and target more victims than ever before. The result? Scams that are polished, personalized, and incredibly hard to detect.

 

The AI Scam Playbook

 

For years, scammers have had their typical bag of tricks, with one of the top tactics being luring people in by imitating trustworthy sources. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, reported incidents of impersonation scams grew 148% from 2024 to 2025. This increase could be because AI is making it alarmingly easy for fraudsters to operate on an even larger scale — and look more credible doing it.

 

Cybercriminals can create knock-off versions of legitimate company websites or send out convincing emails and text messages claiming to be from a known organization as part of a phishing scam. In addition, they can use AI-powered chatbots posing as customer service representatives, bank employees, or even government officials to hold a convincing real-time conversation. Thanks to voice cloning and deep-fake technology, cybercriminals can also imitate known people, such as celebrities or loved ones, asking for information.

 

These attacks go beyond tricking people into sending money. For many scammers, the goal is to collect personal identifying information (PII) such as your address, login information, and Social Security numbers — anything they can use to take over existing accounts or open new ones in your name. And when personal information is leaked or sold, victims often don’t realize the damage until it’s too late.

 

4 Tips to Protect Yourself From AI Scams

 

When it comes to AI scam prevention, staying vigilant doesn’t require becoming a cybersecurity expert. All it takes is adopting a few smart habits surrounding digital fraud awareness as well as a healthy level of skepticism. These four online safety tips can help you stay safe and avoid AI scams:

1. Only click links from reputable sources.
2. Verify contact information such as phone numbers directly on a company’s website.
3. Be wary of unsolicited emails or texts.
4. Never share sensitive information unless you’ve initiated the contact yourself and know exactly who’s on the other end.

 

High-Tech Protection

 

Scammers may be upping their game, but there’s still plenty of technology out there being used for good. With a tool like IDSeal® in your back pocket, you don’t have to face cybersecurity threats alone. Features like Personal Data Removal reduce risk and improve digital privacy by finding and removing your personally identifiable information from data brokers and people-finder sites. Plus, Financial Fraud & Credit Protection Alerts, Device Protection & Security, and Dark Web Protection & Alerts work to shield your information from bad actors, helping you stay smart in the face of artificial intelligence-powered scams.

 

Keep your personal data protected from the increasing threats of AI — discover which IDSeal plan fits your needs best.