Imagine receiving a call from what sounds like your boss, urgently requesting a fund transfer. Or maybe you’re asked to verify your identity using a government ID—except the person on the other end has a near-perfect AI-generated fake of your ID card. Scenarios like these aren’t far-fetched anymore. AI-powered fraud is growing rapidly, and both businesses and individuals need to understand the risks and how to defend themselves.

AI-powered fraud tactics you should know about

Artificial intelligence has opened up a world of possibilities, but not all its applications are benign. Fraudsters are increasingly using AI to commit highly sophisticated scams. Here are some key methods causing concern today:

• Deepfakes of documents and videos: Generative AI (GenAI) can now create scarily convincing fake IDs, financial documents, and legal papers. These forgeries can bypass traditional verification systems by mimicking details like shadows and textures. Some scammers have even used AI-altered videos to present falsified evidence or impersonate people during virtual meetings.
• Synthetic identity fraud: This involves combining real and fake information to create a completely false identity. Criminals use these synthetic profiles to open new accounts or steal access to existing ones. It’s incredibly hard to detect and has become one of the fastest-growing types of financial fraud.
• AI-enhanced phishing scams: AI is making phishing emails nearly indistinguishable from legitimate communication. They’re grammatically accurate, highly personalized, and even capable of engaging in seemingly real-time dialogue via chatbots.
• Voice cloning and spoofing: With AI tools like VALL-E, fraudsters can replicate someone else’s voice using just a few seconds of audio. This tech has been used in scams where criminals impersonate executives to approve fraudulent transactions.

These methods are getting harder to spot because they exploit technology’s ability to mimic human behavior and credentials with alarming accuracy.

How can this happen?

The same technology that lets us automate tasks, improve accuracy, and streamline processes also arms cybercriminals with powerful tools. For example, AI lowers the barrier to entry for creating fake content that used to require professional-level skills. Plus, fraud-as-a-service platforms now offer these tools to anyone willing to pay, amplifying the risk.

What can you do about it?

The good news? There are clear steps you can take to defend against AI-powered fraud. Whether you’re an individual protecting personal data or a business safeguarding operations, here’s a roadmap:

For businesses

1. Boost your ID verification systems: Update your verification processes to include AI-resistant measures. For instance, biometric checks (like facial recognition or fingerprint scanning) can make it harder for fraudsters to rely solely on AI-generated fake IDs.
2. Leverage AI for fraud detection: The fight against AI-powered fraud often starts with AI itself. Tools powered by machine learning can detect anomalies, flag suspicious transactions, and evaluate patterns faster and more accurately than humans.
3. Fortify financial controls: Ensure that major transactions, such as fund transfers, require multi-step verification and approval from more than one manager. AI or not, scammers often rely on exploiting single points of failure.
4. Train employees to spot risks: Schedule regular training sessions to educate staff about the newest and most common AI fraud tactics. Raise awareness about scams involving deepfake videos, phishing, and synthetic identity fraud.
5. Review your fraud risk framework: Make sure your fraud-prevention systems are keeping pace with the capabilities of AI-fueled crime. Conduct regular audits to close any weak links.

For individuals

1. Stay suspicious of urgent requests: Whether it’s an email, a call, or a text, think twice if someone pressures you to act immediately. Verify their identity by contacting them through a known, reliable channel.
2. Double-check documents: Be cautious when sharing sensitive information. Check IDs or documents for inconsistencies, even if they look polished.
3. Protect personal data: Keep private information off social media, and avoid sharing specifics like your full name, job title, or phone number unless absolutely necessary. This makes it harder for fraudsters to build convincing scams targeted at you.
4. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Always activate MFA where possible. Even if someone gets your password, MFA makes it exponentially more difficult for them to break into your accounts.
5. Report suspicious activity: If something feels off, report it immediately. Whether it’s to your workplace security team, bank, or another institution, quick action can limit damages and help others avoid falling victim too.

Why awareness is your best defence

The faster fraud techniques evolve, the more important it is to stay informed. Individuals and businesses alike need to cultivate a healthy skepticism toward anything that feels “too good to be true” or overly urgent.

Take the example of AI-enhanced phishing. By being vigilant to overly polished emails, knowing the typical “tells” of scammers, and never clicking on unverified links, you can drastically reduce your risk. Or, think about voice cloning scams—what if you set up a “safe word” system with colleagues or family for verbal confirmations?

Looking forward

AI isn’t going anywhere, and its role in fraud—both as the problem and the solution—will only grow. Staying vigilant, educating yourself, and leveraging the best tools available are key steps to staying ahead.

By acting smartly and deliberately, you can protect yourself and your business from becoming the next victim.