4 Chapter 4: Common AI Scam Types to Watch Out For
Scammers are clever and smart, and now they’re using artificial intelligence to make their tricks even more believable. In this chapter, we’ll walk you through some common scams and how to spot them.
Why Scams Work (and What Makes AI Involved)
AI makes scams:
- Faster – Emails and texts can be written and sent to thousands of people in seconds
- More realistic – Fake voices, fake videos, and messages look very convincing
- Harder to spot – Scammers use emotional pressure and tech tricks at the same time
The Big Four: AI-Enhanced Scams
1. Tech Support Scams
You get a phone call, pop-up, or email saying:
- “We’ve detected a virus on your computer!”
- “You need to update your security settings!”
They may ask you to:
- Click a link
- Give them remote access
- Pay with gift cards or wire transfer
Red Flag: Real tech companies don’t contact you out of the blue.
2. Romance Scams
Someone on a dating app or social media:
- Builds a relationship with you
- Says they love you or want to visit
- Suddenly needs money for a “medical emergency,” travel, or bills
Red Flag: They never meet in person or always have an excuse.
3. Fake Prize & Refund Scams
You receive a message or call that says:
- “You’ve won a contest!” or
- “We owe you a refund!”
They ask for your:
- Bank account info
- Payment “upfront” for shipping
Red Flag: You should never have to pay to win or get a refund.
4. Government or Utility Scams
Scammers pretend to be:
- Medicare
- Social Security
- IRS
- Power company or utility
They may say:
- “You owe money! Pay now or lose benefits.”
- “We’re freezing your account.”
Red Flag: Real agencies don’t call and demand immediate payment or gift cards.
Tools & Tips to Stay Safe
| Tool | What It Does | How to Use |
| Nomorobo | Blocks robocalls | Visit nomorobo.com |
| Bitwarden / LastPass | Secure password managers | Use to protect all your logins |
| Email Spam Filters | Catch scam messages before you see them | Turn on in your email settings |
| AARP Fraud Watch Alerts | Stay updated on latest scams | Sign up at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork |
Smart Habits That Protect You
- Hang up if a caller pressures you or asks for money
- Don’t click links in emails or texts you weren’t expecting
- Talk to someone you trust before sending money — even if it feels urgent
- Use strong passwords and update them every few months
Hypothetical Real-Life Scenario: “That’s Not the Power Company”
Evelyn, 74, got a call that said her electricity would be shut off in 30 minutes unless she paid $200 with a prepaid card. She panicked at first, but then remembered what her son told her:
“The power company never calls without sending a notice first.”
So she hung up and called the number from her last bill. The power company told her it was a scam.
Proactive Step: Keep important numbers (bank, doctor, utilities) printed and handy so you can always call them directly instead of reacting in the moment.