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Protection From AI Scams

Learn about the types of AI scams on the rise and identify ways to protect yourself or your small business.

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Updated:

September 17, 2026

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Too often, people fall for scams by fraudsters who use dishonest tactics to trick them into giving away their personal information and hard-earned money. Fraud has evolved from thieves accessing your identity through the mail and by phone to more sophisticated phishing emails and fake videos popping up on digital devices today. The Consumer Federation of America warns consumers that AI, or artificial intelligence, has amplified the rise in scams, making it easier for scammers and harder for consumers (Winters, 2025). Anyone, from beginners to experts, with internet access can use generative AI platforms, making them a prime opportunity for scammers to create misleading content that looks authentic.

Increased AI Use in Businesses

Despite the risks, the capabilities of AI-powered technology have drawn interest from small businesses seeking to streamline their operations and enhance productivity. The BBC Worklife (Becker, 2024) noted that the U.S. agricultural industry has rapidly adopted AI to improve crop growth and production. Local farms may find AI helpful for understanding weather patterns or identifying the best times for planting and harvesting. For these purposes, AI saves time and money, especially given the increased pressure farmers face to feed our growing population. The practice involves using generative AI, which utilizes machine learning to analyze data and recognize patterns. This allows businesses to make quick, effortless decisions that enable them to thrive and grow. Farmers use a form of generative AI called digital twin technology to create farm replicas and identify strategies to enhance crop growth, supporting informed decisions to increase productivity (Precious, 2025). However, the benefits of AI technology may open the door to potential scams and fraud, potentially hurting businesses looking to get ahead. The primary difference between AI and traditional scams lies in the way cyber scammers manipulate. AI can create highly sophisticated content to lure victims into fraudulent activities. For example, a scammer may use a fake website to attract farmers with promises of increased benefits for their farms, enticing them to send money or provide sensitive farm data. AI brings a high level of support for businesses, though the same tools used for profit can be exploited by scams.

Types of Common AI Scams

Experian identifies several AI-generated scams that scammers most frequently use to target individuals and businesses (DeNicola, 2024):

Video Cloning

Use of AI to clone voice clips, pretending to be someone else through a text or call. Example: A scammer records an employee's voice and uses it to call the owner to ask for money.

Deepfakes

AI-created images or videos claiming to be a fake or simulated version of someone on a video call or website. Example: A fake video makes claims about a product to entice a buyer to send money.

AI-Generated Websites

Fake websites, also known as spoofing, that look identical to legitimate sites used for purchases. Example: A fake farm supply company claims to provide soil analysis to obtain sensitive data from the owner.

AI Phishing Emails

AI-generated emails sent that look like they are coming from reputable companies or trusted individuals. Example: An owner receives an email from what appears to be their trusted partner, offering an exclusive discount that they must click to redeem.

Impacts of AI Scams

Farmers and other business owners become vulnerable to cyberattacks that appear to be coming from trustworthy sources. It could be a purchase from a fake company, sending money for a product that doesn't exist, or disclosing. Often, small business owners focus more on the benefits than the risks in these situations. The impact of a scam can be devastating for those affected, causing financial loss and often resulting in additional recovery costs. A further risk could be loss of customer trust and potential legal repercussions in the event of a data breach.

Tips to Protect Yourself

Owners may be inclined to become too dependent on generative AI for its ability to provide quick solutions for their business; however, this reliance is making Ag producers more vulnerable to AI scams. According to the Global Ag Tech Initiative (Marsh, 2023), U.S. farms should implement cybersecurity measures to minimize the risk of cyberattacks on their businesses. They recommend using the following techniques for safeguarding, which can be effective practices for any business:

Install and monitor antivirus software to detect identity threats. Require login protection with multifactor authentication and schedule regular password changes.
Carefully assess emails, texts, and social media advertisements for phishing to ensure their legitimacy by researching to verify the company before jumping into sharing sensitive information.
Review system data regularly to identify any potential breaches.
Create an action plan to respond quickly to a suspected cyberattack.
Learn about AI technology and stay on top of the latest developments.

Businesses seeking to enhance their knowledge of AI should consult with reputable resources. Penn State Extension offers articles, webinars, and workshops for Ag businesses and farmers to build knowledge in using generative AI, which you can find by typing "AI and farming" in the search bar. Additionally, you can begin exploring AI tools with Penn State Extension's AI Assistant, a database "built on decades of science-based extension expertise."

One final piece of advice to remember: if an offer seems too good to be true, it is likely a scam. Vigilance is key. Businesses should exercise caution when relying too heavily on technology, as AI is not foolproof and can leave them more susceptible to scams. The goal is not to shy away from using AI, as it continues to grow in capabilities and transform the way we live and work, but rather to proceed carefully.