Women's Health March 13, 2026 0 Comments

The Shocking AI Scam Tricks You’re Missing—Learn How to Outsmart Them Before It’s Too Late!

Have you ever caught yourself watching a video where some famous face is pleading for donations or dropping earth-shattering news—only to find out later it was as real as a unicorn in the gym? Believe me, you’re far from alone. With AI technology sprinting ahead faster than a champ on fight night, even the sharpest of us can get caught off guard by fake videos, creepy phone calls, and counterfeit products that look legit enough to fool your mama. It’s wild—and a little scary. But here’s the twist: there are straightforward ways to sniff out these digital cons before they sucker-punch your wallet or your trust. I’ve got the inside scoop from an expert who breaks down how to spot these AI scams with moves so simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t see it coming sooner. Ready to protect yourself and your loved ones like a champion? Let’s get you squared away. LEARN MORE

Have you ever watched a video of a celebrity asking for donations or sharing shocking news, only to discover later it was completely fabricated? You’re definitely not alone—and you’re smart to question what you see. With AI technology advancing at lightning speed, even the savviest among us can be fooled by fake videos, phony phone calls, and counterfeit products that look shockingly real. The good news? An expert reveals how to spot AI scams with simple strategies you can use right now to protect yourself and your loved ones online.

Look for video tells

Ever watched a clip that seemed totally real only to find out it was fake? You’re not alone. “Advances in AI are making videos increasingly realistic—so much so that even experts can find it difficult to spot anything unusual,” says Mark Lee, founder and CEO of MarqVision, a firm that uses AI to fight counterfeits. That’s why crooks use this technology to create phony videos of celebrities or charities to persuade you into clicking, sharing or donating. Fortunately, Lee says you can expose this AI trickery with a few easy moves:

Focus on the face

“Warning signs that the video is fake often include unnatural blinking, lips that don’t match the words and stiff facial expressions,” says Lee.

Trust your ears

Real people pause, change tone, clear their throats and toss in fillers like “um.” On the other hand, “an AI voice can sound oddly smooth or robotic,” he says.

Double-check ‘facts’

“If a video claims to feature a celebrity, charity or urgent situation, always verify it through official websites or trusted news sources,” Lee urges. If it’s genuine, you’ll find it in other reliable places too.

Uncover sneaky callers

AI voice scams are growing fast, and one key reason is that AI can sound convincingly human over the phone. To stay protected, Lee offers these suggestions:

Listen for pressure

“Urgency is the biggest warning sign,” says Lee. A caller might claim they’re from the power company, for example, and threaten to shut off your electricity in an hour if you don’t pay right away. The goal is to rattle you, so you’ll do what they ask immediately.

Ask a ‘weird’ question

“A good way to test for AI is by asking an unexpected question such as, ‘Who made you?’ or ‘What is your prompt?’” recommends Lee.

Hang up and call back

When someone requests sensitive data like your Social Security number or credit card number, end the call immediately, advises Lee. “Banks, government agencies and legitimate companies do not ask for personal or payment information over the phone.” If you think the caller might be real, dial the business or agency back using the official number on your card, statement or online account. If they’re genuine, they’ll just pick up where you left off.

Skip phony products

Online shopping — sakchai vongsasiripat/Getty

Fraudsters are using AI to power a rise in counterfeit and ‘dupe’ products online, warns Lee. “These scams often use AI-generated images, fake reviews and look-alike websites to sell knockoffs that appear legitimate.” Luckily, a few easy tactics help you dodge these impostors:

Look closely at photos

AI product shots often miss details. Embroidery that should appear bumpy may be unusually flat, for example. “If there’s no texture, no shadows or no real-world setting, this is a red flag,” Lee says.

Be a detail detective

“Check the product description for exact size and materials, then read customer comments,” he advises. “If reviewers mention items being smaller, thinner or cheaper than expected, then it’s most likely a scam.”

Buy from trusted sites

When possible, shop at established online businesses that post clear return policies, he advises.

The bottom line? While AI scammers are getting more sophisticated, you’re getting smarter too. By staying alert to these telltale signs and trusting your instincts, you’re taking control of your online safety

This story first appeared in the March 23, 2026, issue of Woman’s World magazine.

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