AI Can Help Bad People Make Scams

Sad but true: some bad people use AI to make fake messages, pretend to be someone you know, or try to steal info. If a message feels off, don't reply. Show a parent.

Some examples

• A fake message saying you won a prize.
• A 'family member' asking for money online.
• A 'celebrity' offering you free stuff.
• Anyone asking for passwords.

Try it!

Practice this rule: 'Free stuff online? Probably a trick.' Tell a parent any weird message.

The Tricks Scammers Use and How to Spot Them

AI has made scams easier to create because it can write convincing messages very fast. A scammer might use AI to write a message that looks like it came from a friend, a company, or even a family member. These fake messages try to get you to click a link, share personal information, or believe something that isn't true. Three big warning signs: the message creates urgency or panic ('respond NOW or your account will be deleted!'), it offers something that seems too good to be true ('you won a $500 gift card!'), or it asks for your personal information, password, or money. If you ever get a message like this — whether in an app, in an email, or in a game — the rule is simple: stop, don't respond, and show it to a trusted adult. Even if the message looks like it came from someone you know, the message may be fake. Scammers can copy someone's name or photo.

• Urgency or panic ('respond RIGHT NOW!') is a classic scam trick to stop you from thinking
• Offers that seem too good to be true almost always are
• Any message asking for passwords, money, or personal information is a red flag
• Even messages from 'people you know' can be fake — scammers copy names and photos