AI, deepfakes used in 12 percent of successful scams: Survey
AI and Deepfakes Play Role in 12% of Scams, Report Reveals
AI deepfakes used in 12 percent - According to a Tuesday release, a new report has revealed that artificial intelligence and deepfake technology were involved in 12% of scam incidents that resulted in financial loss or deception last year. This finding underscores the growing integration of AI into fraudulent activities, raising concerns about its impact on consumer trust and security.
Survey Highlights AI’s Growing Influence in Fraud
The study, conducted in partnership with the Stop Scams Alliance and Gallup, highlighted that AI-driven scams are becoming more prevalent. However, researchers noted that the reported figure might underestimate the true scope of AI’s role in fraud, as these technologies often evade detection. The report emphasized that deepfakes—videos or audio clips manipulated to appear authentic—can be particularly deceptive, especially when targeting individuals with limited technical expertise.
"The use of AI or deepfakes in scams can be challenging to trace, which may mean the actual percentage is higher than what’s currently recorded," stated a representative from the Stop Scams Alliance.
Older adults, who have historically been primary targets of scam operations, face an even greater risk in this evolving landscape. Their familiarity with traditional fraud methods, combined with potential difficulty in recognizing AI-generated content, makes them more susceptible to exploitation. The report warned that as AI tools become more accessible, the threat to this demographic is likely to intensify.
AARP Warns of Escalating AI-Enabled Scams
Earlier this year, the AARP released a report warning that advancements in AI have significantly enhanced the complexity of scam tactics. Nearly 90% of older adults surveyed expressed concern about AI-powered fraud schemes, indicating a widespread awareness of the technology’s potential to manipulate trust. This apprehension is partly driven by the increasing frequency of scams that use AI to mimic voices, generate realistic images, or fabricate convincing scenarios.
Experts suggest that AI’s ability to automate and personalize fraudulent interactions has made scams more effective. For instance, deepfake videos can now be tailored to impersonate trusted individuals, such as family members or financial advisors, to trick victims into sharing sensitive information or transferring money. The AARP report also stressed the need for targeted education campaigns to equip seniors with the knowledge to identify such threats.
FBI Sees Sharp Rise in Deepfake Complaints
Meanwhile, the FBI has reported a notable surge in complaints related to deepfake AI videos. By September 2025, the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received over double the number of deepfake-related reports compared to the same period in 2024. This dramatic increase suggests that the technology is becoming a more common tool for scammers, who are leveraging its capabilities to create increasingly sophisticated deceptions.
The FBI’s data aligns with the broader trend of AI adoption in fraud. As deepfake technology improves, scammers are able to produce content that is nearly indistinguishable from reality. This has led to a rise in cases where victims are convinced to act on false information, often with severe financial consequences. The agency has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity involving AI-generated media.
Scam Trends and Economic Impact
The Stop Scams Alliance-Gallup analysis also provided a comprehensive overview of scam trends in 2025. It revealed that fraudulent websites accounted for the highest proportion of scam incidents, with 40% of victims reporting that their experience involved websites designed to harvest financial or personal data. This finding points to the continued dominance of phishing and data theft as primary methods of deception.
Following websites, advance payment scams and fake investment opportunities emerged as the next most common schemes. These tactics often rely on urgency and psychological manipulation, prompting victims to act quickly without thoroughly verifying the authenticity of the request. The report further estimated that $68 billion was lost to scams in 2025, highlighting the significant economic toll of these activities.
Survey Methodology and Confidence in Results
The survey that informed the report was conducted between January 8 and February 18, 2025, involving a sample of 5,173 U.S. adults. The Stop Scams Alliance-Gallup team emphasized that the methodology accounted for demographic diversity, ensuring that findings were representative of the broader population. With a margin of error of approximately 1.6 percentage points, the results are considered statistically reliable.
However, the study also acknowledged limitations in detecting AI’s full impact. While the 12% figure reflects known cases, the difficulty of identifying deepfake elements means that many instances of AI-assisted fraud may go unreported. This creates a challenge for policymakers and security experts, who must develop strategies to combat the technology’s growing influence in criminal behavior.
Implications for Future Scam Prevention
As AI continues to evolve, the potential for more advanced and隐蔽 fraudulent schemes is expected to rise. The report suggests that the current 12% involvement rate may be just the beginning, with future scams likely to incorporate AI in more creative ways. For example, deepfake voice calls could become a primary method for targeting vulnerable individuals, while AI-generated text messages might be used to mimic personalized offers.
Industry leaders and consumer advocates are calling for stricter regulations and enhanced detection technologies to address these challenges. The Stop Scams Alliance has proposed a multi-pronged approach, including public education, AI monitoring tools, and legal frameworks to hold perpetrators accountable. Meanwhile, financial institutions are investing in AI-driven fraud detection systems to identify suspicious transactions in real time.
Ultimately, the findings highlight a critical need for both technological innovation and consumer awareness. While AI has revolutionized many aspects of daily life, its application in scams demonstrates the dual-edged nature of this technology. By understanding the risks and adapting to the changing landscape, individuals and organizations can better protect themselves from the deceptive power of deepfakes.
As the year progresses, the Stop Scams Alliance and Gallup plan to release additional data on AI’s role in specific types of scams, such as online dating fraud or impersonation schemes. This ongoing research aims to provide a clearer picture of how AI is reshaping the world of fraud and what measures are necessary to stay ahead of emerging threats.