Warning: Don’t Trust phone calls or search results at face value — scammers are using AI-powered tricks to steal from you. That’s the core issue driving a new FBI advisory and a flurry of similar warnings from tech companies. If you only skim headlines and dial numbers you find online, you could lose everything.
Criminals are hijacking online access to financial and health accounts through social engineering. They imitate banks or trusted institutions on calls, texts, or fake websites with the aim of gaining control of your money or sensitive data. The FBI has reported hundreds of millions of dollars stolen in 2025 alone, and the threat has grown sharper during the holiday season when urgency and fear are at their peak.
What to watch for
- Urgency cues: Scammers push you to act immediately, often claiming a compromised account or a closing fraudulent transaction. These are classic red flags.
- Impersonation: You may be told to reveal banking details, grant screen sharing, or approve transfers. Never share passwords, codes, or access while someone is posing as a bank or support rep.
- Social engineering through multiple channels: Expect fake texts, calls, emails, or even fraudulent websites designed to look legitimate.
Important safety steps
- Do not call numbers you find online or through AI tools. Instead, use verified contact details printed on your bank card or official statements.
- If you notice anything unusual in your accounts, pause and review. Do not rush to respond or provide information.
- Before interacting with a bank or service, take a moment to verify the contact method independently. If in doubt, hang up and call the institution using a number from a trusted source.
- Avoid sharing your screen with someone you don’t recognize, especially when a banking app is involved. A pause feature can disrupt the scam’s pressure tactic.
- Be cautious with AI-assisted searches and generated summaries. Some services have begun surfacing fraudulent numbers as if they were legitimate, which can mislead you.
AI-assisted scams are expanding the risk
Recent findings show that AI search and chat tools can be manipulated to surface fake customer-support numbers for major brands. In some cases, legitimate-looking guides or steps include a bogus contact line, making the scam appear credible. This isn’t just a risk for individuals; it affects organizations and brands as more people rely on AI for fast answers.
What the FBI recommends for holidays
- Slow down your decision-making when you’re told to act quickly, especially if money or personal information is involved. Take time to verify.
- Talk to family and friends about recognizing online and phone scams, and discourage sharing sensitive information with strangers.
- Be skeptical of unsolicited contact claiming to be a bank, tech support, or government agency. If it sounds urgent, it’s likely a trick.
Broader threats to watch
In addition to call-based scams, criminals are exploiting doctored social-media posts and other AI-enabled methods to create convincing deceptions, including “virtual kidnappings” where manipulated images or stories try to coerce a ransom. These schemes prey on fear and the belief that immediate action is needed.
Bottom line
Criminals are increasingly using urgency, impersonation, and AI-powered manipulation to steal money and data. The safest approach is to pause, verify through trusted channels, and avoid calling numbers found online or via AI outputs. If you’re ever unsure, consult a trusted family member or contact your bank directly using official channels. What’s your take on the evolving risk of AI-aided scams — and how will you adjust your own precautions in light of these warnings?
