As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform how we work, connect, and manage our lives, it’s also giving rise to a new wave of digital scams that pose a significant threat. Criminals are leveraging AI to create sophisticated fraud tactics: mimicking voices, faking video calls, and crafting eerily personalized phishing attacks. The result? Scams that feel alarmingly real and harder than ever to detect.

One of the fastest-growing threats is AI-generated voice cloning. According to IdentityIQ, a leading identity theft protection service, incidents involving voice cloning scams have surged more than 200% in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year. These scams involve cloning the voice of a trusted individual, such as a family member or bank representative, to deceive victims into giving up sensitive information or transferring money.

“It’s no longer just about phishing emails — it’s your child’s voice on the phone asking for help, or your bank calling to confirm a fake transaction,” said Michael Scheumack, Chief Innovation Officer at IdentityIQ, which also put out a new report on the latest in AI scams. “You can’t trust the voice alone anymore. Always verify before you act.”

4 AI-Powered Scams to Watch Out For

1. AI Voice Cloning: Imitating People You Trust

Scammers can use short audio clips, often pulled from social media or previous conversations, to train AI models that replicate someone’s voice. The goal of these AI voice cloning scams? To manipulate victims emotionally with fake emergencies or requests that sound shockingly real.

2. Deepfakes: Fake Videos and Audio with Real Consequences

Deepfakes use AI to create hyper-realistic videos or audio clips featuring the likeness or voice of someone the victim knows. These are often used to trick people into sending money or sharing confidential information. Some scams even include fabricated videos of a loved one in distress, appealing to panic and urgency.

3. AI-Powered Phishing: Smarter, Personalized Attacks

AI has supercharged phishing scams. By analyzing public data and online behavior, cybercriminals can send highly targeted messages — whether through email, text, or even phone calls — that are designed to look and sound legitimate. These scams can involve fake coworkers, relatives, or even websites that mirror your real online activity.

4. Robo-Scammers: Impersonation at Scale

Automated AI tools are now capable of sending out thousands of scam calls and texts that sound human and convincing. These so-called robo-scammers might claim to be tech support, banks, or even you. A recent example is the “unpaid toll” scam, which sends text messages with fake links to steal personal data.

How to Protect Yourself from AI Scams

In a world where even voices and faces can be fabricated, staying safe requires a healthy dose of skepticism and smart digital habits:

Think critically: If a message or call creates a sense of urgency or pressure, pause and assess. Scammers count on emotional reactions.

Verify independently: Don’t rely on caller ID or email addresses. Call back using a trusted number or channel.

Keep personal info private: Adjust your privacy settings on social media, and avoid sharing personal details publicly.

Use strong security: Employ unique passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and keep your software updated.

Set up a “safe word”: Share a code word with family members to confirm authenticity during emergencies.

Monitor your data: Consider using an identity theft protection service to alert you to potential breaches or suspicious activity.

A Proactive Defense Is Key

AI is advancing rapidly, and unfortunately, scammers are evolving right alongside it.

“Staying protected today requires more than just awareness — it takes the right tools,” said Scheumack. “Identity theft protection isn’t just a safety net; it’s your front-line defense against increasingly sophisticated scams. The right service doesn’t just monitor threats — it helps alert you before they can cause real damage.”

Falling victim to identity theft can result in financial losses and years of cleanup — unless you’re protected. With the rise in AI scams, taking proactive steps to secure your identity isn’t just smart — it’s essential.

Bottom Line

AI scams are more convincing, scalable, and emotionally manipulative than ever before. Staying informed, cautious, and equipped with strong digital protections can help you stay one step ahead in this fast-evolving threat landscape.