How AI Scams Are Fooling Smart People
In the 1920s, a man named Victor Lustig convinced dozens of people he had the authority to sell the Eiffel Tower.1
Twice.
He forged documents, spoke confidently, and preyed on trust.
Scams aren’t new. The technology just keeps changing.
Today’s scammers don’t need forged papers or fake titles. They have artificial intelligence. And they’re using it to clone voices, create fake videos, and craft eerily personal emails.
Even smart, cautious people can be fooled.
This issue of the Visual Insights Newsletter breaks down three common AI-powered scam tactics, and gives you practical steps to help protect yourself and your loved ones.
Spot These 5 AI-Powered Scam Tactics
#1 Voice Cloning: Trust, Hijacked
AI can now clone a loved one’s voice with exceptional accuracy (often using just a few seconds of audio scraped from online sources). Scammers use it to impersonate family members in distress, tricking victims into sending money during fake emergencies.2
Precautions to take:
Set up a family safe word for real emergencies, and never act based on a voice alone. If something feels off, hang up and call the person back using a number you know is real. Ask a personal question only they would know.
What to know:
Scammers can fake what shows up on your caller ID. It’s called spoofing. Just because it looks like a call from your bank or a family member doesn’t mean it actually is.
#2 Deepfakes: Seeing Isn’t Believing
AI-generated videos and photos can now make it look like someone said or did something they never actually did.3
From fake celebrity endorsements to political misinformation, deepfakes are being used to deceive. They’re getting harder to spot.
Precautions to take:
If a video or image seems off, don’t react right away. Cross-check with a trusted source, look for coverage from credible outlets, and avoid sharing emotionally charged content until it’s verified.
What to know:
Deepfakes often rely on urgency or shock to bypass your skepticism. Slowing down your reaction is one of the simplest — and most effective — defenses.
#3 Phishing Emails & Texts: Deception, Personalized
Scammers now use AI to craft phishing emails and texts that sound personal, look legitimate, and often mimic real institutions.
They can appear to come from your bank or delivery services like USPS or FedEx. These messages try to trigger urgency or curiosity to get you to click a link or share sensitive information.4
Precautions to take:
Don’t click on links in unexpected messages — even if the name looks familiar. Instead, go directly to the source (like your bank’s website or your account on a retail site) to verify. If a message feels suspicious, check the sender’s address or number carefully and don’t respond.
What to know:
Scammers can spoof both email addresses and phone numbers. They can even use fake websites that look nearly identical to the real thing. If something feels off, pause, verify, and never rush to respond.
Which of these scams caught you by surprise?
Which ones could catch someone you care about off guard?
Digital scams don’t just steal information. They target your trust, your time, and your financial sense of security.
The good news is, you don’t need to know everything to stay protected. A few smart habits and conversations can make a big difference.
Staying informed helps you make clearer decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and support others who may be more vulnerable.
When it comes to protecting your wealth and peace of mind, awareness is a powerful first move.
And when digital threats are just one piece of the puzzle, a well-rounded financial strategy becomes even more important.
Whether you're planning for growth, legacy, or long-term protection, we’re here to help you stay one step ahead.