How To Spot and Protect Yourself From AI Text Fraud (2024)

Estimated reading time: 2 minute

In this guide, you will learn:

• The Difference between AI Text Fraud and Smishing
• How to Understand the Risks of AI Text Fraud
• How to Spot Fake AI Text Message
• What to Do When You Receive an AI Text Message

In today's ever-evolving digital landscape, it's essential to be vigilant against emerging threats like AI-text fraud. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, so we'll guide you through the world of AI-text fraud and help you safeguard your personal information.

Difference between AI Text Fraud and Smishing

AI-text fraud, a relatively new form of online scam, may seem intimidating, but it's crucial to understand its differences from traditional scams. Unlike "smishing," which relies on human actions, AI-text fraud leverages advanced machine learning algorithms to craft convincing messages that are challenging to distinguish from legitimate ones.

Understanding the Risks of AI Text Fraud

The risks associated with AI-text fraud mirror those of other phishing attacks:

1. Financial Loss: Scammers can trick you into making fraudulent payments or divulging financial information, leading to financial losses.
2. Identity Theft: AI-generated texts can be used for identity theft, potentially damaging your reputation.
3. Malware Infection: Messages might contain malicious links or downloads, putting your device at risk of malware infection.
4. Privacy Invasion: Sharing personal data due to AI-text fraud can lead to a severe invasion of privacy.
5. Emotional Distress: Falling victim to such scams can be emotionally distressing and cause anxiety.

How to Spot Fake AI Text Message

Here are some user-friendly tips for identifying fake or AI-generated text messages:

• Check the Sender: Verify the sender's phone number or email address. If it seems suspicious or unfamiliar, exercise caution.
• Spelling and Grammar: Be on the lookout for spelling and grammar errors, which are common in AI-generated messages.
• Urgent or Threatening Requests: Be skeptical of urgent or threatening requests. Scammers use urgency to pressure individuals into divulging personal information.
• Unsolicited Requests: Legitimate organizations typically do not request sensitive information via text messages.
• Suspicious Links: Refrain from clicking on links within text messages. Instead, visit the website directly and log in from there.

What to Do When You Receive an AI Text Message

If you receive an AI-generated text message, follow these steps to protect yourself:

• Don't Respond: Do not reply to the message or engage with the sender in any way.
• Block the Sender: Block the phone number to prevent further communication.
• Avoid Clicking Links: Never click on links or download attachments from such messages.
• Report the Message: If you suspect a fraudulent message, report it to your mobile carrier and relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States.
• Stay Protected: Ensure your device has up-to-date Mobile Security installed to safeguard against malware and other digital threats.

By following these simple guidelines, you can empower yourself to navigate the digital world safely and confidently, even if you're not a tech expert. Your online security matters, and staying informed is the first step to protect yourself from AI-text fraud.