Online Scams Have Evolved in the A.I. Era. Here’s What to Do.
Online Scams Have Evolved in the A.I. Era. Here’s What to Do.
Publish Date: 2026-05-28 05:06:00
Source Domain: www.nytimes.com
- The rise of generative artificial intelligence has made traditional signs of internet scams, like typos or poor website quality, less reliable.
- Advances in low-cost chatbots, image generators, and voice-cloning tools enable criminals to create highly convincing fake websites and replicate identities, including impersonating family members.
- Fake stores mimicking reputable brands on social media platforms proliferate, tricking users into making purchases that turn out to be scams.
- To combat these A.I.-powered scams, experts suggest verifying the authenticity of online offers and maintaining traditional skepticism, especially if deals seem “too good to be true.”
- Law enforcement and tech companies are responding to the surge in these scams by implementing new technologies and taking down scam accounts and ads.
- A.I. tools are being misused to create deepfake videos of celebrities, which scammers use to endorse nonexistent products or trick fans into phony investments.
