Table of Contents
Quick Facts
About this scam type
AI impersonation scams use powerful artificial intelligence tools to mimic voices, create deepfake videos, or generate realistic messages. Scammers can convincingly pretend to be relatives, officials, brands, or even recruiters, tricking people into sending money or giving up sensitive information. These techniques are highly effective because they appeal to emotion and trust, often creating a sense of urgency.
How scammers contact victims
Scammers use phone calls, text messages, social media, online ads, and email to reach victims. With AI, these messages and voices look and sound real, making it easy to trick people into believing they are talking to someone they trust. Many attacks start with a phone call or urgent message and then escalate to DMs, pop-ups, or emails.
Who is most at risk
Older adults, parents of teens, small business owners, and employees who handle payments are at risk. These groups are targeted because they are often responsible for the safety of loved ones, caregiving, or financial tasks. Parents face new threats related to sextortion of their teens, and employees or executives can be tricked into making payments from business accounts.
Understanding the risk level
AI scams can lead to devastating financial losses, identity theft, or even reputational harm from deepfakes and sextortion. Victims have lost their entire savings or made large wire transfers under false pretenses. Beyond money, these scams can cause serious emotional distress and a lasting impact on security and trust.
Most Common AI Scams
How it works: Criminals use AI to clone a loved one’s voice from online videos or posts. They then call claiming your family member is in an accident, arrested, or kidnapped. The scammer pressures you to send money immediately via wire, cryptocurrency, or by courier, all while demanding secrecy. Victims have paid thousands after hearing a convincing voice that sounds just like their loved one.
Mom, it’s me. I was in an accident. The lawyer will tell you what to do. Do not call anyone.
We have your daughter. Stay on the line and follow instructions or she gets hurt.
Red Flag Signs:
- • Demands for secrecy and staying on the phone
- • Payment by wire, crypto, or cash pickup
- • Refusal to let you verify the situation
- • Caller ID or voice that seems familiar but details do not match
How it works: Scammers create real-sounding calls, emails, or texts pretending to be the FTC, IRS, your bank, or Amazon. They might share fake badge numbers or send faux ID cards, telling you to move your money to a 'safe' account or threatening arrest. With AI, these messages now look and sound more real than ever, making it even harder to tell the difference.
This is the FTC case division. Your identity is at risk. Move your funds now for safekeeping.
Bank Fraud Department: confirm the 6-digit code to stop a $9,800 transfer.
Red Flag Signs:
- • Someone contacting you out of the blue
- • Requests for one-time passcodes or bank info
- • Instructions to move money
- • Threats of arrest, fines, or account closure
How it works: You may see a scary pop-up or search result with a phone number that urges you to call right away. Fake 'technicians' then try to sell you bogus computer support, steal account access, or escalate you to a 'bank' or 'FTC' agent who pressures you to send money. AI makes these pop-ups and fake phone numbers seem even more convincing.
Microsoft Security Alert: Do not shut down. Call 1-888-xxx-xxxx now.
Royal Caribbean Support: call us at 833-xxx-xxxx to reschedule your shuttle.
Red Flag Signs:
- • Pop-ups with a phone number to call
- • Requests for remote access to your device
- • Pressure to buy gift cards or move money
- • Told not to involve your bank or anyone else
How it works: Deepfake videos and fake articles may show famous CEOs or celebrities endorsing new crypto or 'AI trading' tools. These scams promise quick, guaranteed returns and often require payment in crypto. The ads can look very real but are completely fake.
Elon Musk just launched Quantum AI. Deposit $500 today and double it this week.
Guaranteed 3 percent daily profit using our exclusive AI bot.
Red Flag Signs:
- • Promises of guaranteed or unusually high returns
- • Urgency to deposit quickly
- • Requests to pay in cryptocurrency only
- • Unable to withdraw funds without paying new fees
How it works: Criminals use stolen or AI-altered images to threaten victims with exposure unless they are paid. This scam targets teens and adults, using embarrassing photos or fake videos to pressure for fast payment, often in crypto or gift cards. The emotional impact is severe, and the FBI advises not to pay.
I made a video of you. Pay $700 in crypto in 4 hours or I send it to everyone at your school.
We hacked your camera. Prove you care by buying $500 in Bitcoin now.
Red Flag Signs:
- • Threats to share private images
- • Countdown timers and urgent payment demands
- • Requests for payment in crypto or gift cards
- • Contact through multiple online accounts
How it works: Scammers use AI to mimic recruiters, creating professional-looking job offers, chat interviews, and even deepfake candidate videos. Some ask for upfront payments for equipment or fake onboarding fees, while others try to steal sensitive information by posing as HR. Always verify any job or recruiter using the company's real website.
Congrats, you crushed the interview. To ship your equipment today, send $1,200 via Zelle and we will reimburse you.
We just need your SSN and bank info to set up payroll before day one.
Red Flag Signs:
- • Asked to pay money up front
- • Personal email addresses for HR or recruiters
- • Refusal to confirm details through official company channels
- • Interviews done only by chat with no video or voice call
Red Flags & Warning Signs
Top 5 Phrases Scammers Use
-
1
"Do not tell anyone. Stay on the line."
Scammers want to isolate you from help and prevent you from verifying the story.
-
2
"Move your money to a safe account now."
This language creates panic and is never used by real banks or authorities.
-
3
"Guaranteed returns or risk-free AI trading."
No investment can guarantee profits. This is a hallmark of scams.
-
4
"Call this number immediately to fix your computer."
Real support does not appear in pop-ups or ask you to call an unknown number.
-
5
"Pay with crypto or gift cards only."
Real companies never ask you to pay this way. Scammers want untraceable payments.
Scam Warning Signs
-
Unexpected contact that demands urgencyScammers often use alarming or urgent language to force quick decisions.
-
Payment requests in crypto, gift cards, wire, or cash pickupScam payments are hard to reverse and never used by real companies.
-
Requests for one-time passcodes or remote device accessGiving these away lets scammers break into your accounts or devices.
-
Caller ID or profile photos seem real but details do not matchAI allows scammers to mimic names or photos, but small details may be off.
-
Links to lookalike domains, fake support numbers from search or AI answersAlways check with the company’s official website, never trust numbers from pop-ups.
-
Pressure to keep it secret or not verify with family or your bankIsolation is one of the biggest red flags.
Legitimate Communications
-
Banks and government never demand you move money for 'protection'Real institutions do not ask you to transfer funds to keep them safe.
-
Tech support does not cold call or put support numbers in pop-upsLegit support must be reached through the company website or verified phone number.
-
The FTC will not call you for money or ask for cryptoGovernment agents never ask for payments or personal info over the phone.
-
Legitimate employers never ask for payment or your SSN before onboardingOnboarding is done through secure company portals, not by chat or text.
-
Official numbers always appear only on the real company websiteNever trust a phone number from a pop-up, search result, or AI answer.
How to Protect Yourself
-
1.
Set Family and Workplace Verification Rules
Create simple code words and call-back routines for family and employees. If you get a suspicious message, hang up and call back using a number you know is correct, like from your contacts or the official website.
Agree on a basic code word with teens and older adults to confirm emergencies.
-
2.
Lock Down Social Media Content
Make your social media accounts private. Limit who can see videos with your voice, and remove any public details like your birthday or home address.
-
3.
Guard Your Money Movement
Never move your money to a 'safe' account because someone on the phone or internet told you to. Do not send payments by gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire for emergencies, tech support, or investments.
-
4.
Protect Accounts and Devices
Turn on passkeys or app-based two-factor authentication for all important accounts, set alerts for bank transactions, and keep all devices updated with security software. Never allow anyone remote access to your computer unless you called them using an official number.
-
5.
Verify Support and Contact Info
When you need customer service, always use the company’s website or official app. Never trust phone numbers from pop-ups, search engine snippets, or AI-generated answers.
Bookmark official company websites to find support numbers easily.
-
6.
Screen Investments and Job Offers
Ignore celebrity endorsements for investments or jobs. Check Investor.gov or FINRA BrokerCheck for investment offers. For jobs, contact the company using the website to verify all offers, and never send money or share your SSN before formal onboarding.
-
7.
Report and Spread the Word
Report scams or impersonation attempts to ReportFraud.ftc.gov and IC3.gov. Tell family, friends, and coworkers about your verification steps to help keep everyone safe.
Take the next step to protect your family—get real-time scam alerts with Lifeguard.
What to Do If You're a Victim
If you suspect you have fallen for an AI scam, act fast to limit any damage. Many people recover with the right steps. You are not alone.
-
1.
Contact Your Bank or Card Issuer Immediately (Do immediately)
Call your bank, card, or investment company’s fraud department right away. Ask them to put a hold on your accounts, recall any transfers, and request new cards or enhanced account monitoring.
-
2.
Remove Remote Access if Given (Do immediately)
If you allowed remote access, disconnect from the internet and shut down your device. Have a trusted technician check for malware or remote software before reconnecting.
-
3.
Report Sextortion and Deepfake Threats Involving Minors (Do immediately)
If sextortion involves a child or teen, contact your local police, the nearest FBI field office, and submit a report through NCMEC’s CyberTipline.org. Do not pay or negotiate.
-
4.
Report to the FTC and IC3 (Within 24 hours)
Within 24 hours, file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and IC3.gov. Save all call logs, screenshots of pop-ups, URLs, and cryptocurrency wallet addresses as evidence.
-
5.
Place a Fraud Alert and Change Passwords (Within 24 hours)
Contact one of the credit bureaus to set a free fraud alert or consider a credit freeze. Change passwords for all accounts and enable multi-factor authentication. Revoke app connections if needed.
-
6.
Take Down Fake Posts, Ads, or Numbers (Within 24 hours)
Report impersonation attempts to the relevant platforms to remove fake ads, posts, or support numbers. If someone used your image in a deepfake ad, save it and notify the platform and your state attorney general.
-
7.
Monitor Accounts and Train Your Family
Continue to monitor your statements and credit reports. If identity theft occurred, visit IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan. Review verification rules and code words with your family or workplace regularly.
For extra help with recovery, visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov and IdentityTheft.gov for free government resources. If children are targeted, use CyberTipline.org or contact your local police.
Frequently Asked Questions
Focus on the situation. Hang up and call back using a number you already saved. Ask for your family code word or try a video call to double-check identity.
No. The FTC or government will never tell you to move money, pay with cryptocurrency, or buy gift cards for emergencies. That is always a scam.
Close your internet browser, restart if needed, then go to the company’s real website for help. Real security warnings never include a number to call.
No. These are almost always scams. Fake deepfake videos and endorsements are common, so check the person’s official channel and always verify investment offers.
Do not pay. Save any messages, report them to the platform, local police, and the FBI. If a minor is involved, file a report at NCMEC's CyberTipline.
No. Real employers do not charge you for equipment or ask for Social Security numbers before official onboarding. Always verify offers through the company's website.
The FTC Government and Business Impersonation Rule took effect in 2024. The FTC updated rules for tech support scams, and the SEC has acted against false AI investment claims. Some states now have laws to protect against AI voice cloning and deepfakes.
Report to ReportFraud.ftc.gov, IC3.gov, and IdentityTheft.gov. For sextortion involving a minor, contact NCMEC’s CyberTipline and your local police.
Protect Your Family from AI Fraud
Lifeguard alerts you to AI scams, red flags, and fraud attempts. Get easy, reliable digital protection for your loved ones.
Get Lifeguard Protection