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AI Scams Are EVERYWHERE, Here's How to Avoid Them

AI Scams Are EVERYWHERE, Here's How to Avoid Them

Amelia Roberts explains how artificial intelligence is increasingly used to scam unsuspecting victims around the globe. Amelia sheds light on real-life scenarios, how to spot them, and practical ways to protect yourself, your family, and your friends. This summary covers the key examples and prevention tips she shares in the video.

 

Understanding AI-Generated Kidnapping Scams

Amelia begins with a chilling example of an AI-generated voice recording mimicking her voice in a fake kidnapping scenario. This demonstrates the danger of voice cloning and family impersonation scams.

  • Warning Signs: Urgent or secretive calls demanding immediate action, unusual speech patterns, or robotic-sounding voices.
  • How They Work: Scammers gather information from social media to make their threats sound real.

How to Protect Yourself:

  1. Create a Family Password: Use a secret word only family members know to verify real emergencies.
  2. Hang Up and Call Back: Always call the number back to confirm its legitimacy.
  3. Educate Loved Ones: Especially educate the elderly using role-playing scenarios to prepare for such scams.

Spotting Toll Road Violation and Payment Scams

Another frequent AI scam Amelia discusses involves fake toll road violations sent via text.

  • These messages often include suspicious links and claim unpaid tolls in places you may not have visited recently.
  • Legitimate toll authorities rarely reach out via text; they typically send postal mail.

Prevention Tips:

  • Never click unknown links in unsolicited texts.
  • Use spam-filtering apps to reduce scam messages.
  • Teach family members to recognize suspicious texts. Consider copying the message into a trusted AI tool to check if it’s a scam.

Identifying Deepfake Videos

Deepfakes can impersonate celebrities, colleagues, or even political figures. Amelia highlights the telltale signs:

  • Misaligned lip movements and speech.
  • Oddly smooth or glitchy visuals.
  • Unnatural backgrounds—AI often struggles with background details.

Protective Measures:

  • Verify suspicious videos by consulting trusted contacts.
  • Always confirm requests for money or favors through another secure channel.

Recognizing Hyper-Personalized Phishing Attacks

Amelia warns about phishing emails, texts, or calls that use detailed personal information to trick victims.

  • These messages often ask for sensitive data like birthdates, login info, or urgent payments.
  • Hover over links to check where they lead before clicking.
  • Use email filters to catch spam, but stay vigilant as some may slip through.

Action Step: Talk regularly with friends and family about suspicious emails. Never share sensitive details via text or email.

Spotting AI-Powered Tech Support Scams

Classic pop-ups claiming your computer is infected are still around—now boosted by AI. They may ask for remote access or payment.

  • Protection Tips: Install reputable antivirus software and keep it updated.
  • Never trust pop-up phone numbers or payment requests. Always contact verified tech support directly.

General Tips to Stay Ahead of AI Scams

Amelia concludes with proactive measures everyone should take:

  1. Family Safety Plan: Create passwords, share scam scenarios, and outline what to do if someone suspects a scam.
  2. Use Parental Controls: Monitor children’s devices to prevent exposure to scams.
  3. Enable Call Screening and Filters: Activate spam filters on emails and phones for every family member’s devices.
  4. Check In Regularly: Talk to friends and family about any scams they’ve encountered and share best practices.

Amelia reminds everyone that as AI technology evolves, new scams will keep emerging. Ongoing education, open communication, and robust security measures are your best defense.

Don't forget to check out the Pragmatic Works' on-demand learning platform for more insightful content and training sessions on AI and other Microsoft applications. Be sure to subscribe to the Pragmatic Works YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on the latest tips and tricks. 

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