AI Scams Are Here – Are You Prepared?

This July, as we recognize Military Consumer Month, it’s crucial to talk about a growing danger – AI-powered scams. Scammers are getting smarter, using artificial intelligence to create scams that are incredibly convincing. Think you know a scam when you see one? Think again. AI is changing the game, making fraud harder to spot than ever. They are the new face of fraud.

Military families are prime targets for scammers pushing fake rentals, investment scams, and bogus charities. Frequent moves and deployments create vulnerabilities to identity theft and other forms of fraud.
So, how can you protect yourself from AI scams?

1. Be skeptical

Never trust unsolicited communications, especially those requesting personal information or money.

2. Verify the source

Independently verify the identity of anyone contacting you by phone or email. Don’t rely on caller ID or email addresses alone. Double-check through another method before acting. A quick text or call could save you a big headache.

3. Be alert for deepfakes

Watch out for too-perfect emails and be wary of videos or audio recordings that seem too good to be true. AI tools help scammers create professional looking phishing messages that appear to come from trusted organizations.

4. Tighten up your online security

Scammers can scan your public posts and use AI to create personalized attacks—especially if they know you’re deployed or away from home. Be cautious about sharing personal information on social media, use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and turn on multi-factor authentication.

5. Report suspicious activity

If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. Report scams to your installation legal office, the FTC, or the DoD Cyber Crime Center. Your report could help prevent the next scam.

AI has made scams faster, smarter, and more convincing—but it doesn’t have to catch you off guard. Use Military Consumer Month as a reminder to review your digital habits, educate your family, and stay alert. A little preparation today can protect you from major stress tomorrow. Visit militaryconsumer.gov for resources to help you stay informed and protected.

Scammers are evolving—make sure your defenses are, too.

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