Cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to make online scams more sophisticated, personalised, and difficult to identify, according to cybersecurity experts.
A report by technology news outlet CNET said modern scam campaigns are using AI-generated content, including deepfake audio, video impersonations, and professionally written emails, to exploit emotions such as fear, trust, and urgency.
Security experts said the goals of scammers remain unchanged, but artificial intelligence has enabled them to scale operations and tailor messages more effectively. AI tools can rapidly rewrite content, personalise communications, and support complex multi-stage fraud schemes.
According to the report, some scammers scrape genuine content from the internet and use AI to rearrange or rewrite it, making fraudulent messages appear authentic. One example cited involved fake book marketing emails that reused real book descriptions while modifying the wording to avoid detection by spam filters.
Scammers are also increasingly hosting malicious content on trusted platforms such as Google Drive and Microsoft 365. By using reputable services, they can make fraudulent messages appear more legitimate and reduce the likelihood of being flagged by security systems.
The report noted that many scam emails no longer contain obvious warning signs such as suspicious attachments or immediate payment requests. Instead, attackers often wait until a recipient responds and becomes emotionally invested before introducing harmful links or demanding money.
Cybersecurity analysts warned that such scams can lead to financial losses, identity theft, extortion, and malware infections.
To reduce risk, experts recommend verifying the identity of senders through independent channels, avoiding rushed decisions, and refusing to share personal or financial information under pressure. They also advise users to be cautious of unexpected messages, even when they appear professional or originate from familiar platforms.
The report said the growing use of artificial intelligence is making traditional warning signs less reliable, increasing the importance of careful verification before engaging with unsolicited communications.