Remember when a scam email practically announced itself with strange grammar, a suspicious link, and an urgent request from a “prince” you’d never met?

Those were simpler times.

Artificial intelligence is making cyber scams faster and more personalized. And maybe most concerning, they’re becoming more believable. Criminals can use AI to create polished phishing emails, tailor messages using information found online, and even clone someone’s voice or create realistic video impersonations. (check out our article from last year detailing some common scams).

All of this means that some of the clues we’ve been trained to watch for aren’t as reliable anymore. A professional-looking email, familiar voice, or convincing video is no longer proof that the person contacting you is actually who they claim to be.

The New Red Flag: Urgency

The technology may be changing, but scammers still rely on an old trick: getting you to act before you think.

Be especially cautious when someone unexpectedly asks you to:

• Send or transfer money
• Provide a password or verification code
• Change payment or wire instructions
• Share sensitive financial or personal information
• Act immediately to avoid some supposed consequence

Even if the request appears to come from someone you know, verify it independently. Call the person using a number you already have, not one included in the suspicious message. For financial requests, consider requiring a second form of verification before moving money.

Your Best Defense is Surprisingly Low-Tech

AI can be sophisticated. Your response doesn’t have to be.

Use unique passwords and multi-factor authentication. Keep devices and software updated. Be thoughtful about how much personal information you share publicly. Turn on account and transaction alerts where available.

And if your child, boss, financial professional, or best friend suddenly calls asking for money? Even if the voice sounds exactly right, verify before acting. Some families are even establishing private verification phrases for emergencies.

The good news is that AI is also helping cybersecurity teams identify unusual logins, suspicious transactions, malicious messages, and other threats faster. But technology alone can’t replace good judgment.

The rule to remember: Pause. Verify. Then act.

When AI can make something fake look remarkably real, an extra 60 seconds of verification may be one of your strongest defenses.