The New Face of Fraud: How AI Is Changing the Scam Game

Townsend Asset Management Corp. |
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Technology

Technology has changed nearly everything about the way we live, work, and connect including how scammers operate.

Once upon a time, scams came in the form of clunky emails riddled with typos or too-good-to-be-true lottery wins. These days? The tactics are smoother, the impersonations more believable, and the emotional pressure far more calculated.

Why the shift?

Two letters: AI.

Artificial intelligence has supercharged scammers' abilities. Now they can use AI to copy voices with just seconds of audio, write messages pretending to be people you trust, and create fake websites that look exactly like real ones.1

Even smart, cautious people can be fooled.

But here's the good news: understanding these tactics is your first line of defense. While scammers may have new tools, awareness and education are powerful countermeasures. With a few simple strategies, you can significantly reduce your risk and navigate the digital world with more confidence.

What Do These New Scams Look Like?

Here are a few examples that have become increasingly common:

  • Voice cloning scams where a loved one calls in a panic, only it's not actually them1
  • Deepfakes that show public figures endorsing products or making false claims1
  • Phishing texts and emails that sound like they're from your bank, Amazon, or even your employer2
  • Fake websites that look exactly like your investment portal or payment processor1
  • Hyper-personalized messages that reference real details from your life, often gathered through social media or public sources3

It's not just the message that's evolved. It's the believability.

Why It Matters for Your Financial Life

Scams don't just cost people money. They also shake confidence, delay decision-making, and leave lasting emotional stress.

Imagine second-guessing an email from your bank because something feels off, or hesitating to help a loved one because the request doesn't sound quite right. That's the kind of hesitation scammers are counting on. This is exactly why awareness matters.

What You Can Do to Stay Safer

The good news is, you don't need to become a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself. A few simple habits can go a long way:

  • Slow down. Scammers want you to act fast. That's your cue to pause1
  • Verify through trusted channels. If you get a strange call or email, call the person or institution back using a number you know is real3
  • Limit what you share online. The more personal info you post, the more scammers have to work with3
  • Talk to your family. Set up a "safe word" for emergencies, especially for older relatives or kids1

These habits aren't just about defense. They're about confidence. Knowing what to watch for can help you stay in control.

Financial Planning Isn't Just About Growth. It's Also About Protection.

Protecting your finances isn't only about diversifying your portfolio or tracking expenses. It also means staying alert to digital threats that could quietly undermine your progress.

As part of a strong financial strategy, it makes sense to take steps that reduce digital risk and help you feel more secure about your plan moving forward.

And you don't have to do it alone.

Whether you want to talk about digital safety, fraud awareness, or simply check in on your broader financial strategy, I'm here to help.

Let's work together to protect not just your wealth, but your peace of mind too.

 

Sources

1 AARP, 2024 [URL: https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/ai-scams/]

2 Federal Trade Commission, 2024 [URL: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/12/phishing-scams-can-be-hard-spot]

3 Social Security Administration, 2025 [URL: https://blog.ssa.gov/resolve-to-protect-yourself-from-scams-this-new-year/]

 

This material has been prepared by a third party that is unaffiliated with Townsend Asset Management Corp. and is provided for informational purposes only. Townsend considers this third-party source and information to be reliable, but its accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. It may not represent the views of Townsend or its affiliates. It should not be considered a recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security. Past performance should not be relied on as an indicator of future results. All investing assumes a certain degree of risk, including loss of principal. Townsend has obtained permission to distribute this material. Townsend Asset Management Corp. is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Townsend Asset Management Corp. is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about the firm's investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2 and Form CRS, which is available upon request. TAM-25-44