We are in the wild west of AI growth and implementation. A lot of it is exciting, and some of it is concerning. A major concern the CWS team has is related to the rise of AI-generated scams. They are becoming alarmingly sophisticated, targeting investors with fake videos, voice impersonations, and emotionally manipulative messages. One recent case illustrates just how convincing—and costly—these scams can be.
A woman in California lost her life savings after receiving a video message from what appeared to be soap opera star Steve Burton. The video created using AI deepfake technology, mimicked Burton’s voice and appearance so convincingly that she believed he was in love with her. Over time, she sent over $431,000 in cash, gift cards, and bitcoin, even selling her condo to help him—only to discover it was all a scam. We believe it is important to arm you with the knowledge to identify possible AI-generated scams.
Red Flags: How to Spot AI-Generated Scam Content
- Trust Your Gut – Whether it’s an email that seems too polished, a video that doesn’t quite match a person’s usual demeanor, or a message that creates a sense of urgency without context—pause and reassess. A quick phone call to a friend or family member to get a second opinion can be the difference between staying safe and falling victim to a scam. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
- Hyper-Polished Language – AI-generated scam content often features a polished but unnatural tone. Messages may be flawless yet lack the subtle quirks of real conversation. Look out for overly formal or robotic language, generic greetings like “Dear Investor,” impersonal signoffs, and repetitive financial jargon. These patterns suggest the message may have been crafted by an AI rather than a genuine person.
- Urgency and Emotional Manipulation – Scammers use AI to send emotionally charged messages like “Limited-time offer” or “Act now,” creating urgency to push recipients into responding quickly. These tactics aim to override rational thinking and encourage immediate action without verification. If you receive any content that conveys a sense of urgency, please exercise caution and consult with us or another trusted individual to obtain a second opinion before taking any action.
- Impersonation via Deepfakes and Voice Clones – AI has reached a point where it can mimic voices and faces with startling accuracy, making it a powerful tool for scammers. Fraudulent videos or voice messages may feature supposed “celebrities” or “people of influence” requesting urgent money transfers and should immediately be considered a red flag to you. Even emails or phone calls might sound convincingly like someone you know yet feel slightly “off” in tone or detail. These subtle inconsistencies are often clues that the content may be artificially generated and potentially malicious.
What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you ever have any concerns that you might have been scammed, it’s imperative that you call us immediately. We will be able to know quickly whether it is a scam or not. We will help you with the immediate next steps to hopefully avoid the loss of your assets. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the CWS team.