A few years ago, receiving a message full of spelling mistakes or a poorly written email was often enough to raise suspicion. Today, that is no longer the case. A fraudulent message can be perfectly written, use the name of a company you recognize and even include an image that appears completely authentic.
Artificial intelligence did not invent scams, but it has made powerful tools available to cybercriminals, allowing them to create much more convincing content. And that changes something important: it is no longer enough to judge whether a message simply "looks fake."
What Are AI-Based Scams?
We talk about AI-based scams when this technology is used to prepare, personalize or make a fraudulent attempt more convincing.
AI can be involved in different ways. For example, it can be used to write an email, generate an image, imitate a voice or create a video. It can also be used to tailor a message to a specific situation, making it more persuasive for the target.
This does not mean that every suspicious message is necessarily created using artificial intelligence. Scams can still rely on much simpler methods. The key point is that technology now makes it easier for scammers to produce content that is harder to distinguish from legitimate communications at first glance.
Most Common Types of AI Scams
The possibilities are extensive because AI can be incorporated into fraud schemes that already exist.
One example is phishing, where someone impersonates a well-known company or service in order to obtain information from the victim or persuade them to visit a fraudulent website. The difference today is that these messages can be better written and more accurately adapted to the context.
There are also cases of voice and image impersonation. A person may receive a phone call or voice message that appears to come from someone they know and asks them to perform a specific action.
Online shopping is not immune either. A fake website may use AI-generated images or carefully crafted text to appear like a legitimate online store. If it also offers products at unusually attractive prices, spotting the scam can become even more difficult.
How Artificial Intelligence Is Used to Create More Convincing Scams
AI makes it possible to generate content quickly and adapt it to different situations. For a scammer, this means being able to create more polished messages without having to write each one individually.
Imagine, for example, someone who is waiting for a parcel. A message mentioning a supposed delivery issue is far more likely to grab their attention than a generic notification. If it also includes the name of a well-known company and uses professional language, it may appear legitimate during the first few moments.
For this reason, rather than asking whether content appears to have been created by AI, it is more useful to focus on what the message is asking you to do.
Of course, artificial intelligence is not used only for fraudulent purposes. It is increasingly being incorporated into business environments to analyse information, automate tasks and improve processes. In logistics, for example, AI applications are being explored to enhance logistics management through data analysis and the planning of certain operations.
AI Scams Related to Deliveries and Online Shopping
Messages related to parcels are particularly effective as bait because many people shop online regularly and may be expecting multiple deliveries at the same time.
Such messages may mention an incorrect address, a delivery problem or an outstanding payment. The objective is usually to direct the user to a webpage where they are asked to enter personal or banking information.
This trend is also linked to the way e-commerce has evolved. Today, consumers can discover products, compare options and complete a purchase in just a few minutes. Artificial intelligence is changing the way people shop online , while at the same time creating new opportunities that scammers may attempt to exploit.
If you receive a message like this, there is no need to resolve the issue through the message itself. The safest approach is to first verify the order through the store where you made the purchase or through the official channels of the delivery company.
GLS Spain provides tools and communication channels designed to facilitate shipment management and access to delivery information as part of its recipient experience strategy.
So, if something seems suspicious, a simple rule applies: do not click the link in the message and verify the information through an official channel instead.
Warning Signs of an AI-Generated Scam
There is no single indicator that can confirm a message was created using AI. Instead of trying to identify the technology behind the message, it is more useful to pay attention to certain warning signs.
Be particularly cautious when a message:
- Creates a sense of urgency and pressures you to make a quick decision.
- Requests banking details, passwords or other sensitive information.
- Includes a link whose URL does not match the company's official website.
- Demands a payment you were not expecting.
- Refers to a purchase or service that you do not recognize.
- Uses the identity of a familiar company or person to request something unusual.
There is another important point to remember: a well-written message is not necessarily a legitimate one. In fact, AI can help eliminate many of the errors that previously made scams easier to identify.
When in doubt, stop and verify. Do not reply to the message and do not enter your information through the provided link. Instead, open the official application or website yourself and check whether the order, issue or payment request actually exists.
AI scams may be more convincing than traditional fraud attempts, but that does not mean they are impossible to detect. The key is not to be influenced by appearances and to always verify who is behind a communication before taking any action, especially when personal data or money is involved.