Five AI Scams Targeting You Right Now

AI-powered scams are targeting people at unprecedented rates, and most of us don't realize our vulnerability until it's too late.

In 2025 alone, AI-enhanced fraud attempts increased by over 300%. Now, anyone with an internet connection can access AI tools capable of cloning voices, creating fake videos, and crafting nearly undetectable phishing schemes.  

The good news? You can avoid further damage after falling victim to these threats with identity theft protection services such as IDShield. Also, the more you know about these threats, the better equipped you'll be to spot them before they cause damage. This is why we’ve written this blog to keep you informed on five AI scams targeting you right now, and how to protect your private data.  

The five AI scams targeting you right now  

1. AI-enhanced phishing: When scam emails sound like your boss

Phishing emails and texts trick victims into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive information. These messages appear to come from trusted sources, like your boss, HR, or even your bank, and with an urgent tone, they pressure the victim to take immediate action.

What's new: AI helps fraudsters write grammatically perfect, personalized messages that mirror the communication style of the individual they're impersonating. They analyze publicly available emails and social media posts to make their messages indistinguishable from the real thing.

2. Voice cloning: That's not your mom calling!

Scammers record someone's voice from as little as three seconds of audio — easily found in social media videos or voicemails. Then they use AI to make that cloned voice say anything they want.

The scam: You receive a frantic call from someone who sounds exactly like your spouse, parent, or child. They claim to be in an accident or arrested and need you to send money immediately. The emotional manipulation, combined with a familiar voice, overrides your logical thinking.

3. Deepfakes: Your face, their crime

Scammers collect photos and videos of you from social media, then use AI to create fake images or videos showing you doing or saying things you never did. Fraudsters may use counterfeit images to extort money from you, or they may use AI to clone your voice and face, generate realistic biometric data, and mimic your writing style — making it possible to convincingly pose as you via phone, video, or written communication.

4. Credential stuffing: How one stolen password becomes thousands

When your username and password are exposed in a data breach, scammers use AI to automatically try those credentials across thousands of websites simultaneously. If you've reused the same password across multiple accounts, one breach becomes a gateway to everything — your email, banking, social media, and more.

5. AI-powered social engineering: Scammers know your weak spots

AI supercharges traditional scams by analyzing massive amounts of data about you to craft deeply personalized schemes. Fraudsters scrape your social media, public records, and professional profiles to learn everything about you — your hobbies, friends, family members, employer, and recent life events. They use this information to build trust and manipulate you into sharing sensitive information or sending money.

Red flags: How to spot AI scams

Trust your instincts. Watch for these warning signs:

• Urgency and pressure: "Act now, or your account will be closed" or "Emergency — need money immediately."
• Unusual requests: Payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency, asking for passwords or Social Security numbers.
• Strange communication patterns: Voices that sound slightly off, emails from addresses with slight variations.
• Too-good-to-be-true scenarios: Unexpected job offers requiring upfront payment.
• Verification gaps: Refusing to verify identity through official channels.  

What to do if you're targeted

• Stop and verify: Don't respond immediately. Contact the person or company directly using a phone number or email address you know is legitimate — not the one provided in the suspicious message.
• Establish a family code word: Create a secret word that only your immediate family knows to verify emergency calls. Since AI can be used to impersonate you in messaging your family, it's ideal to create a code word with your in-person contacts.

How can IDShield help you deal with giving information to an AI scammer?

Arm yourself against cybercriminals with IDShield’s identity theft protection services. IDShield continuously monitors your personal information across credit reports, Social Security number usage, banking accounts, public records, and dark web marketplaces. If suspicious activity is detected, you'll receive real-time notifications.

• Licensed Private Investigators: If identity theft occurs, you have direct access to licensed investigators who will work to restore your identity to its pre-theft status.  
• Password Manager: Get multiple device protection and privacy for your digital life with our Password Manager service that manages and encrypts passwords.  
• Cybersecurity and Device Protection: Stay safe with Trend Micro’s VPN, malware protection, and parental controls.
• Reputation Manager: This tool analyzes your social media accounts to find any posts, photos, or videos that may be harmful to your online persona.
• Unlimited Consultation: Talk to an identity theft specialist about any identity theft or online privacy concern.  

Protect your private data and be prepared when a scammer comes your way! Get started with IDShield today! ‍

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IDShield is a trademark of Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. (“LegalShield”). LegalShield provides access to identity theft services through membership-based participation. IDShield is a product of LegalShield. Some of the services provided under the plan by third party providers are subject to change without notice. All Licensed Private Investigators are licensed in the state of Oklahoma. The information made available in this blog is meant to provide general information and is not intended to provide professional advice, render an opinion, or provide are commendation as to a specific matter. The blog post is not a substitute for competent and professional advice. Information contained in the blog may be provided by authors who could be third-party paid contributors. All information by authors is accepted in good faith; however, LegalShield makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of such information. The Identity Theft Insurance is underwritten and administered by American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida, an Assurant company. LegalShield is not an insurance carrier. Please refer to the actual policies for terms, conditions, and exclusions of coverage. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions.