As AI technology advances, fraud specialist Frank Abagnale warns that convincing scams are becoming harder to detect. Experts recommend slowing down and independently verifying requests to avoid becoming victims of AI-generated impersonations.
Artificial intelligence is making scams harder to spot, according to fraud expert Frank Abagnale, who says the safest response is often the simplest one: slow down and verify before you pay or share any sensitive information. Speaking at a mortgage industry conference in Washington, D.C., Abagnale warned that criminals can now use AI to produce convincing emails, text messages and even voice recordings that appear to come from a trusted source.
Abagnale, whose earlier life as a con artist later inspired “Catch Me If You Can”, has spent decades warning consumers and businesses about fraud. His latest caution reflects a broader concern among consumer-protection experts: as generative AI improves, it becomes easier to impersonate companies, colleagues and family members with startling accuracy. The result is a fraud environment in which trust alone is no longer enough.
The practical defence, experts say, is to make contact through a channel you already know is genuine. Rather than replying to a message or calling a number included in an unexpected email, people should use a company website, a previously saved telephone number or another trusted source to confirm the request. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says classic warning signs of fraud include pressure to act quickly, requests for money or personal details, and contact that appears to come from a familiar institution but does not quite feel right.
Abagnale and other fraud specialists also stress that urgency is one of a scammer’s best tools. A message that demands immediate action, asks for secrecy or pushes an unusual payment method should be treated with suspicion. If anything seems out of place, the safer move is to stop, verify independently and take a few minutes to confirm the story before responding.
That small pause can make a costly difference. In an era when AI can generate polished fakes at scale, the habit of double-checking identity before sending money or sharing passwords may be one of the most effective forms of protection available to ordinary consumers.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to inform and educate, not to recommend or endorse any financial product, investment or strategy. Please consider your own financial circumstances and seek professional advice where appropriate before making financial decisions.
