A staggering 12% of successful scams in 2025 involved AI or deepfakes, with nearly a quarter of those using both tactics to rip off unsuspecting victims.
The Rise of AI-Driven Scams
According to a recent poll of U.S. adults conducted by Gallup and Stop Scams Alliance, a new wave of scammers is leveraging AI technology to trick victims into handing over their money. The findings are a stark reminder that the increasing adoption of AI in various industries has also created new opportunities for malicious actors.
As many as 6% of American adults – or approximately 15 million people – fell prey to scams last year, with a significant portion of those incidents involving AI or deepfakes. To put this into perspective, that’s roughly 1 in 16 people in the United States who were targeted by these sophisticated scams.
Deepfakes and AI-Powered Deception
Deepfakes, which involve manipulating audio or video recordings to create convincing fake content, are just one tool in the scammers’ arsenal. AI-generated audio and video are increasingly being used to impersonate friends, family members, or even government officials, tricking victims into divulging sensitive information or transferring funds.
The poll also revealed that 24% of scams using AI or deepfakes involved both tactics, highlighting the growing sophistication of these malicious operations. While the vast majority of scams still rely on more traditional tactics like phishing or social engineering, the use of AI and deepfakes has become increasingly common.
What This Means
The rise of AI-powered scams is a sobering reminder that even the most cutting-edge technologies can be co-opted for nefarious purposes. As we continue to integrate AI into our daily lives, we must remain vigilant and take steps to protect ourselves from these emerging threats. What this means in practical terms is that individuals should be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls, emails, or messages, and never provide sensitive information or funds without verifying the identity of the person or organization on the other end.
