10 New AI and Tech Scams You Need to Be Aware Of

Scammers now use AI to clone voices, fake faces on video, and write perfect messages. Reports this month from the US Justice Department, the Financial Action Task Force, and identity firm Veriff show these tricks are spreading. Veriff says people spot deepfakes only slightly better than chance, so process beats instinct.

If it is urgent, secret, and about money, stop and verify.

1 · Deepfake bosses and lawyers

In a case announced November 5, US prosecutors allege a group used faked voices and images of executives and lawyers to trick companies into wire transfers worth about $129 million. Fix: confirm every payment request by calling a known number.

2 · Fake trading dashboards

Scam centres show fake profits on polished apps, then demand “withdrawal fees” or taxes before you can cash out. Fix: never pay to withdraw your own money.

3 · Fake recovery agents

After a loss, “recovery experts” promise to get your money back for an upfront fee. Fix: report to police and your bank; real recovery never starts with a fee.

4 · Deepfake endorsements

Fake videos of celebrities or influencers promote holiday deals and investments. Fix: check the brand’s own website and social accounts.

5 · Fake support video calls

Scammers pose as a retailer or bank on video, using cloned faces or voices, and ask for codes or payments. Fix: hang up and call the number on the official site.

6 · Paid ID-check jobs

Ads offer quick money to do identity checks or open accounts for someone else. Those accounts are then used for fraud. Fix: never verify your identity for another person.

7 · Fake officials threatening your phone number

Callers claim to be from the FTC, give badge numbers, and threaten to cut off your number unless you pay. Fix: government agencies do not demand payment by phone.

8 · Deepfake donation appeals

Fake videos and calls from candidates or campaigns ask for urgent donations. Fix: donate only through official campaign sites you type yourself.

9 · Fake meeting calls that install malware

Attackers send meeting invites, then show a deepfaked contact and claim your audio is broken, asking you to install a “fix.” Fix: never install software during a call.

10 · Fake early access to new AI models

With new models launching weekly, sellers offer “early access” or cheap accounts. Fix: get access only from the official app or website.

• Call your bank right away; the first 24 to 72 hours matter most
• Change passwords and turn on two-step verification
• Report it to your national fraud reporting service
• Warn family and colleagues