Artificial intelligence making scams harder to detect, experts warn

JACKSON, Tenn. (WBBJ) - Artificial intelligence is changing many things as it’s gaining popularity but experts are warning that it is revolutionizing the way scammers gain access to you.

Criminals are increasingly using high tech artificial intelligence tools to make scams more widespread and harder to detect. Scammers are now using AI to mass produce fake social media accounts to send convincing, personalized messages to thousands of victims in an instant.

The typical red flags that used to make a scam obvious like spelling mistakes or bad grammar are disappearing with the help of AI, making scams even harder to recognize.

“Ironically one of the things we used to tell people to look for, was a tell tell sign of a scam was called scammer grammar and AI cleans that up,” said Daniel Irwin, BBB Midsouth Director of Public Relations.

Foreign fraudsters are also using AI translators to make their schemes look totally legitimate to U.S. targets.

To protect yourself experts say it’s time to build a defense. Look closely for visual flaws such as distorted features, odd eyes or teeth, and bad shadows. Declare a safe word with your family to verify identity when talking on the phone and never share sensitive information or send money to people you only know through your phone.

“One of the things we see a lot are these random numbers text messages from random numbers claiming to be a family member or a friend needing something or needing you to send them money somehow so just having a code word a lot of times, you know, can really help out,” said Irwin.

Another thing that can be done for protection is to keep your social media accounts private and avoid posting extra photos or audio that can be easily obtained by AI or strangers.

If you have encountered a scam, click here to report it.