How AI can be used for Scamming
How AI can be used for Scamming
How AI Is Changing the Scam Landscape
In 2025, scammers are using artificial intelligence to work faster, appear more “real,” and scale their operations across Australia and the United States. We’re no longer dealing with clunky misspellings. Today’s fraud uses deepfake video, voice cloning, and realistic chatbots to impersonate people and brands you trust then pressures you into “authorised” payments that are hard to reverse. The FTC and FBI have both warned that generative AI is turbocharging classic scams by lowering cost and effort while boosting believability.
How scammers use AI right now
1) Voice cloning for urgent calls
With a short audio sample (from social media, a webinar, or a voicemail), criminals can clone a loved one or executive and demand money or one-time passcodes. The FTC highlights family-emergency “grandparent” calls as a prime use case.
2) Deepfake video for CEO/Boss fraud
Attackers now stage video meetings with deepfaked executives to order wire transfers. In a well-documented Hong Kong case, a finance employee sent ~US$25M after a video call with deepfaked colleagues.
3) AI chatbots running long cons
Romance and “pig-butchering” investment scams use LLM-style chats to keep multiple victims engaged around the clock, while deepfaked photos and IDs help survive “proof” requests. Blockchain analysts report sharp growth in 2024 romance/investment scam revenues linked to these tactics.
4) Hyper-real phishing & brand abuse
AI-written emails and spoofed landing pages (sometimes with cloned customer support on social media) drive victims to fake checkouts or “verification” portals. UK and AU authorities have issued fresh guidance noting how professional these lures now look.
5) Celebrity deepfakes in ads
Deepfake videos of well-known Australians and U.S. personalities push fake investments. Australia’s NASC/ASIC have warned repeatedly; Meta introduced new verification for financial advertisers after regulatory pressure.
Why AI Scams Are So Effective
AI enhances traditional scam tactics in three major ways:
- Speed – Scammers can automate thousands of messages using AI-generated content.
- Scale – AI chatbots and bots operate 24/7, targeting hundreds of people at once.
- Realism – Deepfakes and cloned voices sound like real people, making the scam more convincing.
AI lets scammers bypass many of the usual red flags we used to rely on.
Case Study of AI-Powered Scams
1. Deepfake Celebrity Scams
Fake videos of Elon Musk or Steve Irwin promoting crypto giveaways have circulated on Facebook and YouTube. These are AI-generated deepfakes used to build trust and legitimacy.
2. Voice Cloning Scams
In the US, scammers used AI to clone a teenager’s voice, calling her mother and pretending she was kidnapped, demanding ransom in crypto. It sounded exactly like her.
3. Fake Job Interviews with AI Chatbots
Applicants on job platforms like Seek or LinkedIn have been interviewed by realistic AI bots posing as recruiters. These bots collect personal information and banking details.
4. Romance Scams Powered by ChatGPT-style Bots
Some scammers now use AI chatbots to build emotional connections over weeks or months, then ask for money, crypto, or personal favors.
5. AI Email Phishing
AI writes flawless phishing emails that mimic real corporate language, tricking even experienced professionals.
The Most Common AI Scam Tactics
- Deepfake videos: Used in investment scams, fake news, and impersonation attacks.
- Voice spoofing: Used in fake ransom calls or to trick family members.
- AI job scams: Fake HR interviews that ask for TFNs, passports, or direct deposit info.
- AI-generated phishing: Personalized and hyper-realistic scam emails.
- Fake tech support bots: Chatbots pretending to be from Microsoft, Apple, or Telstra.
What Makes These Scams So Dangerous?
- They’re hard to detect – There are no typos or weird grammar.
- They use real identities – Scammers impersonate actual friends, celebrities, or employers.
- They trigger strong emotions – Fear, love, urgency, or empathy.
- They adapt fast – AI models learn from failed attempts and improve over time.
Even tech-savvy users can fall victim.
How to Protect Yourself from AI-Driven Scams
- Verify through another channel – If someone calls or messages you unexpectedly, confirm their identity in person or via a trusted number.
- Don’t send money or crypto to anyone based solely on a voice, video, or message.
- Use caller ID with caution – AI tools can spoof phone numbers.
- Stay informed – Read up on current scam tactics regularly.
- Enable 2FA on all accounts.
- Be skeptical of emotionally charged messages – Especially requests for urgency, secrecy, or money.
How CypherGuard Responds to AI-Powered Scams
At CypherGuard, we’re constantly updating our cyber intelligence tools to fight AI-enabled scams. Here’s how we help:
- Digital forensics – Analyzing metadata, voice samples, and deepfake traces
- Blockchain tracing – Tracking crypto payments tied to ransom or scam demands
- AI detection tools – Identifying manipulated media and chatbot behavior
- Evidence collection – Building digital reports for law enforcement or legal action
Time is critical. We act fast, while the scammer is still active.
Reporting and Resources
Australia
- Scamwatch
- IDCARE
- Local Police Cybercrime Unit
United States
- FTC Report Fraud
- IC3 (FBI Internet Crime Center)
- Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker
Also report impersonation on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
AI has revolutionised how scams are carried out. What used to be easy to spot is now sophisticated, convincing, and emotionally manipulative.
You can’t always trust your ears or eyes in the digital world.
Whether you’ve been targeted or just want to stay ahead of the threat, CypherGuard is here to help. We use advanced tools, real-time intelligence, and expert analysis to help protect your digital identity and fight back against AI-driven scams.
Stay alert. Think twice. And never click or pay based on emotion alone.
FAQ
How can I spot a deepfake fast?
Treat caller ID/video as unverified; hang up and call back via the official number. Red flags: urgency, OTP requests.
What should I do right now if targeted?
Stop contact, save evidence, lock accounts + enable 2FA, call your bank, report (AU: Scamwatch/ReportCyber; US: FTC/IC3).
Can I get my money back?
Sometimes speed matters. Ask for a recall/dispute; for crypto, start on-chain tracing immediately.
How do I protect family/team?
Adopt a call-back-only rule, use code phrases, set a SIM port-out PIN; businesses: two-person approvals + out-of-band checks.
Are deepfake detectors enough?
No. Rely on process controls (call-backs, second approver) and basics like app-based 2FA.