The U.S. Postal Inspection Service says artificial intelligence is supercharging traditional scams.
In a new public warning, the agency says criminals are using AI-generated images and cloned voices to make scams appear more convincing.
“Scammers are using AI-generated photos and voice clones that mimic a real person to build relationships with unsuspecting victims to ultimately get money and steal personal information. AI content can make romance and investment scams, cryptocurrency scams, scams claiming to be tech support, and even fake emergency requests from friends and family feel legitimate and believable.”
Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale says the tools now available to fraudsters are more sophisticated than ever.
“From fake emails and texts to cloned voice messages, calls, and deepfake videos, today’s scammers have many tools at their disposal. But if you’re alert and understand these criminals’ typical methods, you can stay one step ahead of them.”
The agency outlines several red flags tied to AI-driven fraud. These include thin or inconsistent social media profiles with just a handful of friends, recently created accounts, comments that appear unnaturally polished and images that do not match a user’s name or background.
Officials also warned consumers to look for mismatched website information, including slight misspellings in domain names, non-secure websites requesting login details, or email addresses that do not match the official domain.
Other warning signs include overly polished PDFs or screenshots, requests to move conversations to private messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Telegram, and audio or video inconsistencies such as poor lip synchronization or unnatural lighting.
The Postal Inspection Service says consumers should ignore and delete any communication demanding an urgent decision or requesting payment through cash, wire transfers or gift cards.
“Remembering this simple advice will help keep consumers’ personal information and finances safe.”
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