Today we are often warned about the dangers that new technologies like AI can have, but since its rapid evolution from 2021 onwards, few people really know how these technologies can or already have affected many lives.
The rise of AI love scams
Scammers have seen the most success when they use people’s emotions against them whether it’s love for an actor, singer or even family member, they use artificial imitations in what is more and more being called love schemes.
Such is the example of a French woman who, at the start of 2025, was scammed out of 830,000 euros from people online who used AI images to convince her she was texting with Bradd Pitt and that he was sick and in the hospital.
They were able to trick her for over a year where finally they said Brad Pitt needed the money for kidney treatment.
AI prevalence in youth culture
AI tools are most used with people under 30, so one would think they would be least affected by it, but sadly, when it comes to an evolving field like AI, someone can always be affected in some way.
Specifically, younger generations like Gen Z are most affected by blackmail schemes, scams where someone asks for money because of sensitive information they have. They do this by creating fake AI images that cause fear in the victim or fake AI personalities that cause the victim to feel more comfortable and, in return, ask for money when they find out what they should not have.
It’s important in examples like these to always have caution when dealing with anyone online and never take anything at face value.
At the same time, having compassion for one another, young and old, and understanding how AI scams can affect anyone is very important in the battle against AI scams because it allows us to think about questions like:
How can I help my grandparents and how can I help my kids?
Author: David Mladenovski – JUMP staff (Italy)