Don’t Be Fooled: How to Spot AI-Generated Scams and Stay Safe Online

Written By Citizens Advice

In a world increasingly driven by artificial intelligence, scams have taken a terrifyingly real turn. From deepfake videos of loved ones to cloned voices pleading for money, criminals are leveraging AI to exploit trust and emotion in ways never seen before. But knowledge is your best defence. This guide will show you how to spot the red flags, check suspicious media, and protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to AI-generated scams.

What Are AI-Generated Scams?

AI-generated scams use deepfake technology and voice cloning to create convincing fake images, videos, or audio. These can be used to:

  • Imitate family members asking for money

  • Create fake government or corporate messages

  • Imitate trusted public figures in phishing scams

Unlike old-school scams with poor grammar and obvious red flags, AI scams are often disturbingly realistic.

Common Signs of an AI Scam

Look out for these red flags:

1. Urgency and Emotion: Scammers will say things like “I need help now,” creating panic and bypassing your logic.

2. Off Visuals in Videos: Mismatched lip-syncing, robotic blinking, or strange head movements can indicate a deepfake.

3. Unnatural Voice Patterns: Voice clones often sound flat or too perfect. Listen for awkward pauses or missing emotion.

4. Excuses Not to Video Call: Scammers might refuse real-time calls by saying their camera is broken or they have no signal.

5. Unusual Payment Requests: If someone you know suddenly wants you to send money by crypto, wire transfer, or gift cards – be suspicious.

Tools to Verify Suspicious Images or Videos

Reverse Image Search

Great for catching fake profile photos or reused scam images.

  • Google Images: Go to images.google.com, click the camera icon, and upload the photo.

  • TinEye: Visit tineye.com for reverse image searches with different databases.

Look for hits from stock photo websites or older blogs – both are big red flags.

Deepfake Detection Tools

  • Deepware Scanner: deepware.ai can help detect AI-generated video and audio.

  • Microsoft Video Authenticator (limited availability)

Voice Verification

If you receive suspicious audio:

  • Ask something personal only the real person would know

  • Use video chat to verify identity

  • Check the file properties for suspicious metadata (Right-click > Properties on Windows)

How to Stay Safe from AI Scams

Keep this security checklist in mind:

  • ✅ Verify Unusual Messages: Call the person using a known number

  • ✅ Don’t Click Links: Especially from messages claiming urgency

  • ✅ Enable Two-Factor Authentication: For all major accounts

  • ✅ Lock Down Social Media: Keep photos and videos private

  • ✅ Educate Vulnerable People: Older adults are often targeted

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

  • Stop responding immediately

  • Take screenshots and save messages or files

  • Report impersonation or suspicious activity to the relevant platform (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp)

  • Report to Action Fraud UK: actionfraud.police.uk

  • Warn the real person if they are being impersonated

Final Thought: Stay Alert, Stay Informed

AI is changing the game for scammers — but with the right tools and awareness, you can stay one step ahead. If something feels off, pause, verify, and trust your gut. Share this article with friends and family to help them stay safe too.

Because when it comes to deepfakes and AI scams, a moment of caution could save you from months of stress.

Citizens Advice
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