AI Scams On The Rise in Central Alabama – Beware
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at once one of the most remarkable and most dangerous technological inventions in history. On the positive side it accelerates data analysis, automates repetitive and time-consuming tasks and is always available. On the negative side it can displace jobs, is expensive, is not always correct and can be used for academic fraud and scams.
It is the negative side that is worrying the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and local law enforcement agencies. Data security, personal privacy and scams are rising with the increasing use of AI by bad actors. Everyone is a potential target, especially senior citizens and the young and even professionals. The FBI says North and Central Alabama have seen an explosion of AI fraud recently.
The FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Report shows cyber-enabled crimes defrauded Americans of nearly $21 billion, with cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence-related complaints among the costliest.
AI scammers are also using the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) to ask for personal information in fraudulent investigations.
The Alabama Supreme Court has sanctioned and fined attorneys who submitted briefs containing fake, AI generated legal citations. Teachers and professors report a growing number of students utilizing AI to cheat.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says scam reports involving people 55 and up are up about 10% since 2023. They report a growing number of older adults are active online, which can make them bigger targets.
Other senior support organizations like AARP are also reporting concerns over the growing number of scams show up as texts, emails and voicemails, which makes it easier for criminals to reach large numbers of people quickly.
Young people are also vulnerable to AI fraud because the trust the internet too much, Among the threats to young people are AI generated explicit photos.
In a press release, the FBI said, "Scammers rely on pressure techniques to defraud Americans while deploying fake social profiles, voice clones, identification documents, and believable videos depicting public figures or loved ones."
FBI Birmingham cautions every to be suspicious of any communication that demands immediate payment, applies pressure, looks too good to be true, or requests you to click on a link for any reason.
Experts urge persons receiving questionable requests to call that business or government agency direct. DO NOT use and telephone number provided by the suspicious communication, it most likely is fraudulent.
AARP tracks scams and offers resources through its Fraud Watch Network, where people can get scam alerts and find help if they think they have been targeted. BBB has a free booklet with tips on spotting scams and protecting themselves.
The FBI Birmingham Field Office is reminding both individuals and businesses to stay vigilant and proactive as AI-driven cyber threats continue to evolve. Resources and reporting tools are available at the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov) and at tips.fbi.gov.
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