AI-powered scams cost Georgians millions as deepfakes become more convincing

Scammers are using artificial intelligence to supercharge old fraud schemes, costing victims millions of dollars in Georgia and across the country, according to federal investigators.

The FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Report shows Americans reported nearly $893 million in losses from AI-enabled scams last year. In Georgia alone, victims filed 71 complaints totaling more than $10.4 million in losses. Florida reported 350 complaints and nearly $39.9 million in losses, though investigators believe the true numbers are much higher because many scams go unreported.

Authorities say AI allows criminals to clone voices, create realistic photos, spoof phone numbers and research victims online, making emergency calls, investment scams and romance fraud far more believable.

The growing threat has already impacted both Georgia and South Florida. A Cobb County couple lost roughly $800,000 in a cryptocurrency scam, while a South Florida immigration attorney discovered scammers had cloned his voice and identity to target immigrants seeking legal help.

Georgia officials say one of the fastest-growing schemes is the AI “grandparent scam,” where criminals use voice-cloning technology to imitate a loved one in distress.

“I talk with citizens throughout Georgia at speaking engagements and hear of AI being used in scams such as the grandparent scam,” Shawn McCroy, communications and outreach coordinator for the Georgia Department of Law, told CBS News.

Banks are also warning customers that AI-generated scams are becoming increasingly difficult to detect. Truist Bank advises people to verify unexpected requests through trusted channels rather than acting on urgent phone calls, emails or text messages.

Consumer protection officials recommend creating a family code word to confirm a loved one’s identity, calling relatives directly before sending money, contacting your bank immediately if you suspect fraud, and reporting scams to law enforcement and the FBI.

Investigators say the technology behind these scams will continue to evolve, making caution and independent verification the best defense against AI-powered fraud.