HomeTechHacker: AI Scams Are Getting Better: Here's How to Protect Yourself

Artificial intelligence has made many useful things possible, from helping us write emails to answering questions and organizing information. 

Unfortunately, scammers are taking advantage of the same technology.

While AI has made scams more convincing, it hasn't changed the best ways to protect yourself. 

The biggest difference is that many scams no longer contain the obvious warning signs they once did.

For years, phishing emails were often easy to spot because they were full of spelling mistakes and awkward grammar. 

Today, AI can write polished, professional-looking emails in seconds. I've received messages claiming I needed to re-authenticate an account or verify information for services I actually use. At first glance, they looked legitimate.

What has protected me is slowing down. Instead of clicking the link in the email, I open my browser and sign in to the account directly. If there's really a problem, I'll see a notification after logging in. If there isn't, I know the email was a scam.

The same advice applies to text messages. Never assume a message is legitimate simply because it looks professional.

Voice cloning is another growing concern. AI can now generate voices that sound remarkably similar to real people. Imagine getting a phone call that sounds like your child or grandchild asking for money because of an emergency. 

Before you act, take a moment to verify the situation by either calling them directly or reaching out to another family member.

Another area to watch is fake customer support. Scammers can now create convincing emails, websites, and chat conversations that appear to come from well-known companies. If you need technical support, visit the company's official website or use a phone number you already know is legitimate instead of one provided in an unexpected message.

Fortunately, protecting yourself still comes down to a few simple habits.

• Slow down before responding to unexpected emails, texts, or phone calls.
• Never trust messages that create a sense of urgency or pressure you to act immediately. Scammers want you to react before you have time to think.
• Use unique passwords for every account and store them in a password manager. If one account is compromised, your other accounts remain protected.
• Finally, enable multi-factor authentication whenever it's available. Even if someone learns your password, they'll have a much harder time accessing your account.

These habits have protected me through years of increasingly sophisticated online scams, and they're just as important in the age of AI.

I explore these topics in more detail in my book, The Personal Cybersecurity Manual, because technology will continue to change, but the fundamentals of staying safe online remain remarkably consistent.

AI is making scams more believable, but it doesn't have to make you more vulnerable. A healthy dose of skepticism, a willingness to slow down, and a few good security habits remain some of the best defenses you have.

Marlon Buchanan

Marlon Buchanan is a best-selling author, technology educator, and founder of HomeTechHacker.com, where he helps people make technology simpler, safer, and more useful in everyday life.

If you have questions or comments about this article, you can contact Marlon through his website or X (Twitter).

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