No AI Fools Here: How To Spot AI‑Powered Scams
AI may make everyday tasks easier, but it’s also giving scammers newer and faster tools to trick people. That’s why the National Cybersecurity Alliance launched AI Fools Week, a campaign focused on helping individuals and businesses recognize and avoid AI‑powered fraud. The observance starts the Sunday of the week containing April 1st
About AI Fools Week
AI Fools Week highlights scams made more convincing through AI. These scams include realistic‑sounding phone calls, polished emails that look like they’re from trusted companies, and even AI‑generated videos designed to impersonate people you know.
It’s true that AI advancements have made it harder to tell real messages from fake ones. Even though AI can mimic text and behavior, it’s still not human. In fact, some AI outputs can appear so flawless that they are suspiciously nonhuman. Taking a few simple precautions can help protect your personal information, finances and business.
Common AI‑powered scams
AI scams can seem intimidating, but AI is still just technology. Good cyber hygiene practices, a keen eye and a calm approach still apply.
Polished, perfect‑looking phishing emails
AI can mimic writing styles, company logos and formatting, making fraudulent emails look legitimate. These messages may ask you to click a link, open an attachment or provide account details.
Ask yourself: “Am I expecting a message like this?” Question any communication that asks you for sensitive information. Think before you click.
Deepfake voice calls
Scammers can now generate voice recordings that sound like a loved one or friend. These “deepfakes” often create a sense of urgency. For example, the scammer might claim to be in an emergency and in need of money.
Ask yourself: “Would someone I know normally contact me this way?” Deepfakes are like any other scam email or nefarious telemarketing scam. Scammers rely on emotions, especially fear and urgency. Remembering that a computer can fake the voice of a loved one can help remove the unsettling emotion, giving you a moment to think. Instead of reacting, call the person directly using a trusted number.
Fake customer‑service chats or pop‑ups
Fraudulent chat windows or support agents may appear to represent a familiar company. They often push users to share personal information quickly.
Ask yourself: “Would I normally be expected to share this type of information with a support agent?” Financial institutions and trusted companies will never ask you for your passwords, full Social Security number or multifactor authentication codes. Nor will they ask you to navigate away from the original chat session to a different server or transfer your money to a different bank account for your protection. These are common scam techniques criminals use, and now they’ve trained their AI tools to do the same.
Realistic‑looking invoices, policy updates or wire transfer requests
AI tools can produce paperwork that looks authentic, even down to digital signatures and formatting. These documents may request payments or changes to your account.
Ask yourself: “Am I expecting a communication about my finances?” Be cautious of any message that asks for gift cards as payment, demands immediate payment with threats of extreme consequences, or requests wire transfer verification or personal information. If you authorize a wire transfer from your bank account, you can’t recover the money, and most banks will not reimburse you for the loss.
How to protect yourself
Pause before you act
Give yourself a moment to think because a scammer won’t. They want you in a heightened state of anxiety to dull your rational decision-making skills. Always pause before clicking, answering or sending anything.
Verify the information using a trusted source
Don’t respond to the message directly. Instead, call the company or person using a known, official phone number.
Strengthen your digital habits
Enable multifactor authentication and use strong, unique passwords for each account. Install system and app updates regularly.
Trust your instincts
If something feels off, even slightly, err on the side of caution. It’s better to disconnect from someone and risk being rude than to stay on the line and risk an irreversible data breach and financial loss.
Data monitoring and personal cyber insurance
Many financial institutions offer free credit and identity monitoring to alert you when your credentials are exposed and help you scrub your data from a breach. This is important for prevention, but it may not reimburse you after a cyberattack. Ask us about adding personal cyber insurance to your home or renters policy. We can help you decide if it’s right for you.
Stay vigilant
Are you ready to outsmart the machines? This AI Fools Week, use your knowledge, trust your instincts and read the red flags like a pro because you’re no AI fool.
This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.
Copyright © 2026 Applied Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
