Artificial Intelligence (AI) Makes Scammers' Work Easier

Reading time 4 minutes

Published on 18/12/2025

We are often bothered by persistent calls from call centres offering us to switch providers or presenting 'miraculous' deals, such as supposedly unmissable investment opportunities. These calls may conceal real scams aimed at stealing our money directly or obtaining our personal data.

Now the spread of technologies based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) has attracted the attention of scammers. Thanks to AI, they can create increasingly realistic fake messages, voices and websites, and automate large-scale fraud attempts, making them faster, more personalised and harder to detect. As a result, scams are becoming more frequent and sophisticated.

Consider, for example, fake video messages featuring the Governor of Banca d'Italia promoting non-existent investments, or counterfeit websites imitating Banca d'Italia and several commercial banks, replicated with striking accuracy, through which fraudsters attempt to steal our banking credentials.

What Authorities Recommend

So, are we doomed? Absolutely not! Awareness and composure are key: Stop and stay safe! The European Banking Authority (EBA), the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) and the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) have published a new factsheet to help consumers protect themselves against online fraud.

We need to learn how AI-driven scams work, pay attention to warning signs - especially when money is involved - protect our personal data and know what to do if, despite our precautions, we fall victim to a scam.

Let's take it step by step. Here are some key points.

Build Awareness

The first step is awareness. This does not mean becoming AI experts, but we should know that it exists and understand its potential. If we come across a video featuring the President of the Republic offering Italians a 'safe investment', the first question should be: 'Is it really possible that a Head of State would give investment advice?' Checking reliable sources online is always a good starting point.

Spot Common Warning Signs

Once we know that AI-powered scams exist, we should look out for typical warning signs: urgent requests for personal data or money, often exploiting fear or the promise of easy gains; demands for payment through untraceable methods such as prepaid cards; suspicious links or attachments in messages and emails. Grammatical errors or robotic voices are also red flags, although AI makes them increasingly rare.

Share with Care

AI now enables anyone to create fake content that realistically replicates a person's face, movements and voice. These are known as deepfakes.

Deepfakes do not only target public figures - they can involve our family members too. To create them, fraudsters need audio and video material of the person they want to impersonate. How do they get it? Often from us, through what we share on social media. Everything we post can be found online and used, sometimes unlawfully. This is why authorities recommend being cautious about what we publish on social media, as it can become a valuable resource for fraudsters.

Social media interactions also require caution. Another common scam is the so-called 'romance scam': fraudsters use fake but convincing profiles to build a relationship and gain the victim's trust. Once this bond is established, they start asking for money, citing reasons such as health problems or travel expenses.

Although it may sound easy to spot, romance scams involve real manipulation techniques, known as 'social engineering'. Our behaviours, habits and interests shared online are analysed by professionals who make this their main activity.

Keep Calm

Authorities stress the importance of staying calm - pause and think before acting - verify the source of emails, messages and calls, and never share your credentials or PINs: your bank will never ask for them. Some recommendations may seem unusual, such as agreeing on a family 'security word' or phrase to protect against deepfakes, and using it if someone who appears to be a relative urgently asks for money over the phone.

If You Are Scammed, Contact Your Bank

If you fall victim to a scam, the first step is to contact your bank, report the incident and request a refund. You have 13 months from the debit date. Then, inform the competent authorities—overcoming any feelings of shame - and warn your close contacts, who might also be targeted using the same deepfake.

Being scammed should never make us lower our guard: it does not guarantee immunity from future fraud. In fact, scammers may try to trick us again by offering to help recover our money. Secure your devices immediately, for example by changing all passwords - do not delay.