Artificial intelligence has revolutionized the way we work, interact and connect online.

As with any new technology, however, AI has also introduced new risks by making scams more sophisticated and harder to spot. Phishing attempts, fake job offers and impersonation scams can now appear more convincing, potentially putting students’ personal information, security and finances at greater risk.

Understanding how scammers use AI and knowing the warning signs can help protect you from becoming a victim.

AI is making scams look and sound real

AI-powered scams often fall into three categories: voice cloning, deepfake video impersonations and realistic-looking messages and websites.

Through voice cloning, AI can help scammers to mimic a person’s voice with convincing accuracy, making fraudulent calls sound like they’re coming from a loved one.

For example, you might get an urgent call from a family member asking you to send money immediately because of an emergency. In reality, there’s no emergency, and the call is coming from a scammer using AI to manipulate their voice. Scammers can also impersonate bank representatives or law enforcement, claiming there is a problem with your account, potential fraud or another issue that requires immediate attention. Scammers can even spoof caller ID, making it appear the call is coming from your bank or another trusted source.

Because AI can create convincing videos of real people, scammers can use deepfakes to impersonate trusted figures or organizations. These videos may promote fraudulent investment opportunities, solicit donations or convince people to share sensitive information.

Online scams originating through email, text messages and websites aren’t new, but AI can make them more convincing and harder to spot. Scammers can use AI to create realistic phishing emails, fake job offers and text messages that look like legitimate messages from banks, employers and other trusted organizations. They can also create fraudulent websites that closely resemble legitimate ones, tricking people into entering passwords, financial information or other sensitive data.

Spelling mistakes and poor grammar used to be telltale signs of a scam, but AI can make emails, texts and websites look more polished and professional, so appearances alone aren’t enough to tell if something is legitimate.

Ways to stay safe

As scams become more sophisticated with AI, knowing what to look for and how to respond can help you stay protected.

Verify unexpected calls and requests. If someone contacts you claiming to be from your bank, a government agency or another trusted institution, do not automatically trust the caller ID or the information they provide. Hang up and contact the organization directly using the official phone number on the website, mobile app or the back of your credit or debit card. Never share your account information, passwords or verification codes in response to an unsolicited call or text.

During a suspicious video call, ask the person to perform an unexpected action, such as waving their hand in front of their face. Demanding a spontaneous action is one of the best ways to expose a deepfake video.

Examine emails, text messages and websites carefully. Check email addresses and website URLs for typos, extra characters or unusual domains. Never reply to a suspicious message, even to tell the sender to stop contacting you, as replying can confirm that your number is active to the scammer. Simply delete it, report it as spam and consider blocking the sender.

If you get an unsolicited text message or email, do not click the link, as it may send you to a fraudulent website designed to steal your personal information. Also, be careful with online searches for customer service numbers, as scammers can create fake websites and phone numbers that appear at the top of search results.

Double-check social media posts. Before sharing or responding to “urgent” donation requests, fundraisers or other campaigns you see on social media, check to make sure the organization is legitimate. Review the account’s posting history and be especially cautious of new or unverified accounts. Rather than clicking on a donation link on social media, go directly to the organization’s official website to donate.

Establish a family code word. Voice cloning can make it difficult to determine whether an urgent call is coming from a loved one. Establishing a family code word in advance can provide an extra layer of security. If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from a loved one, especially if they are asking for money or urgent help, simply ask them the code word to verify their identity. You can also ask a question that only that person would know.

With any financial scam, one of the simplest ways to protect yourself is to slow down. As scams continue to become harder to spot, one thing that hasn’t changed is that scammers rely on urgency to get you to act immediately. Whether you receive an unexpected phone call, video message, email or text, take a minute to pause and verify the request through a trusted channel, such as the organization’s official website, before taking action.

Block scams before they start

A strong defense starts with proactive steps. The best defense against AI scams is a good offense. Taking these proactive steps right now can strengthen your online security and can help reduce your risk.

  • Limit your personal information online. Review your social media privacy settings and restrict public access to personal details, photos and videos scammers could use to target you.
  • Use strong authentication. Enable multifactor authentication on your accounts whenever possible. Passkeys, biometrics and authentication apps can provide protection beyond traditional passwords.
  • Keep your devices updated. Install software and security updates on a regular basis to help protect your devices.
  • Never grant remote access to your device. Don’t let unsolicited callers access your computer, phone or financial accounts remotely, even if they claim to be from your bank or tech support for your device.
  • Monitor your financial accounts. Enable transaction notifications and credit alerts to help identify potential fraud as quickly as possible.

If you suspect you have been targeted by or become the victim of a scam, act quickly. If you sent money or shared account details, contact your bank or financial institution immediately by calling the number on the back of your debit or credit card. If you shared personal information like your password, change your banking passwords immediately and review your accounts for unauthorized transactions.

Keep screenshots, phone numbers, emails and messages from your interaction with the scammer, which may help your financial institution or law enforcement trace the fraudulent activity.

The bottom line

AI is changing how scams look and sound, making them harder to spot, even for tech-savvy consumers. The good news is that the best defenses remain the same: stay alert, verify unexpected requests, and take steps to protect your financial information.

For more financial health tips, visit chase.com/ScamProof.

For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described in this article or provided via links may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any business. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The material is not intended to provide legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. product or service. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates are not responsible for, and do not provide or endorse third party products, services, or other content.

Deposit products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

?? 2026 JPMorgan Chase & Co.