THE GEN C:\> SCAN AI-PHISHING
AI Phishing Email Scams
Emails that look like they're from a company you use: your bank, a store, a streaming service. They claim there's a problem with your account or payment and want you to click a link. With AI, the grammar and spelling can now be perfect, so typos are no longer a reliable warning sign.
"Dear Customer, your account is on hold due to a billing problem. Click here within 24 hours to update your payment details."
Red flags
- Generic greeting like "Dear Customer"
- Urgent language or threats of account closure
- A link to "update payment" or "verify" your info
- Email address or link that's slightly off (like amaz0n or a shortened link)
What to do
- Don't click. Go to the company's website or app by typing it yourself.
- Ask: do I even have an account with them?
- Turn on multi-factor authentication for important accounts.
Where to report it
- Forward phishing emails to reportphishing@apwg.org
- Report to the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Gave away personal info? IdentityTheft.gov
Got a message like this right now? Paste it into the free Scam Radar checker to see the red flags. It runs in your browser and never saves your message.
Know someone who'd fall for this?
Scammers count on people not talking about it. Send this guide to a parent, a friend, or the family group chat.
Related scams
- Deepfake Video Call Scams
- Fake AI App & ChatGPT Download Scams
- Romance Scams & AI-Made Profiles
- Fake Tech Support Scams
Keep your family safe
Copy a ready-made prompt from the Staying safe prompts, like setting up a family code word or locking down your accounts. Want an AI helper you can trust? Try the AI Finder quiz.
Sources
- FTC: How To Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams
- CISA: Recognize and Report Phishing
- FBI IC3 PSA I-120324-PSA: Criminals Use Generative AI to Facilitate Financial Fraud (Dec 3, 2024)
Last checked: 2026-10-19. General education, not legal or financial advice. Sample messages are made up.