Quick answers to the most common questions we get about AI-powered scams and consumer protection.
Spotting AI Scams
How can I tell if I’m talking to a real person or an AI chatbot?
Ask to move the conversation to a live video call where the person shows their face and reacts to a new, off-script instruction in real time. AI chatbots used in romance and investment scams will resist video calls, make excuses, or send pre-recorded clips. See our AI romance chatbot scam guide for the full checklist.
Can a scammer really clone someone’s voice?
Yes. Voice-cloning tools can build a convincing replica from just a few seconds of audio, easily harvested from social media, voicemail, or videos. This powers the grandparent scam, where a clone of a grandchild makes an urgent call for money. Set a family code word so seniors can always verify. See our AI grandparent scam guide.
Are fake AI job postings common?
They are increasing rapidly. Scammers use AI to generate realistic postings, fake company websites, and AI chatbot interviewers, then ask for personal data or upfront payments. A genuine employer will never charge you to apply or onboard. See our AI job scam guide.
How do I know an AI tool or app is legitimate?
Access AI tools only from their official, verified websites or app-store listings by the actual developer. Watch for typosquatted domains, fake browser extensions, and lookalike apps that impersonate ChatGPT, Claude, and Midjourney. See our fake AI tools guide for the verification checklist.
Reporting and Recovery
Where do I report an AI scam?
Report to the FTC, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), and your financial institution. Include screenshots, wallet addresses, phone numbers, and usernames. The BBB Scam Tracker also collects reports.
Can I get my money back after a crypto investment scam?
It is difficult, and acting fast matters. Contact your bank, credit card issuer, or crypto exchange immediately, file a report with the FBI IC3 and FTC, and preserve all transaction records. Some funds may be recoverable if you move quickly, but there is no guarantee.
What is pig butchering?
Pig butchering is a long-game investment scam where the fraudster builds a trusted relationship over weeks or months before introducing a fake trading platform showing fabricated returns. Victims invest increasingly large sums before the platform vanishes. See our crypto investment scam guide.
How do I protect a senior relative from scams?
Set a family code word, create a “call me before any money” rule, limit what’s shared on social media, and give them a trusted contact to verify any emergency call. Walk them through what real scams sound like so they recognize the pattern. See our grandparent scam guide.