Staying Alert in the Age of AI Scams
It’s easy to feel fatigued by the constant stream of warnings about online scams. Yet, despite widespread awareness, people continue to fall victim to increasingly convincing forms of digital deception. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made it possible for scammers to create realistic videos, voice clones, and deepfakes that make fraud more believable than ever before.
At Pegasus Technologies, we’ve seen firsthand how AI-assisted criminal activity evolves at an alarming pace. The challenge for individuals and businesses is learning how to stay vigilant when fake looks so real. AI can now generate live video impersonations that appear authentic — complete with facial expressions, tone, and mannerisms that mirror real people.
A Real-World Example: When AI Imitation Meets Emotion
A recent case highlights just how convincing these scams can be. Hackers used AI technology to create a lifelike video version of General Hospital actor Steve Burton. They used this fake persona to manipulate and emotionally deceive a victim, ultimately stealing over $80,000.
“It felt like I was in love,” the victim explained. The story might sound unbelievable, but it’s a sobering reminder of how emotional manipulation can override logic. Scammers exploit trust, urgency, and fear to push people into making quick decisions — whether that’s sending money, sharing personal data, or clicking a malicious link.
What Makes AI Video Scams So Dangerous
Unlike traditional phishing emails or text messages, AI-generated videos use realism to bypass our usual skepticism. These deepfakes can appear during video calls, in social media messages, or even in what look like legitimate company communications. Scammers can impersonate executives, colleagues, or loved ones to request wire transfers, passwords, or confidential information.
Businesses are especially at risk when employees assume they’re communicating with trusted individuals. That’s why Pegasus Technologies emphasizes employee awareness training as a core defense strategy. Developing a culture of caution — where every unusual request is verified — helps prevent costly mistakes before they happen.
Learn how our Managed Security Solutions can help your organization strengthen its defenses against social engineering and AI-driven threats.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Business
The best defense against AI video scams is awareness combined with verification. If something feels off — whether it’s an unexpected video message or an urgent financial request — take a step back. Contact the person directly through a known channel, such as a verified phone number or email.
Trust your instincts and never let emotion or urgency override procedure. Encourage your team to question unusual requests and build policies that support verification rather than assumption. Cybercriminals rely on our hesitation to question what looks real — but taking an extra moment to confirm authenticity can prevent significant loss.
Pegasus Technologies Can Help
At Pegasus Technologies, we help businesses stay secure in an era of rapidly changing technology. Our cybersecurity experts offer tailored solutions to identify vulnerabilities, monitor threats, and train teams to recognize the latest scams. As AI continues to evolve, so must our defenses.
If you have questions about AI-related threats or would like help improving your company’s cybersecurity strategy, reach out to Pegasus Technologies today. Together, we can strengthen your organization’s ability to detect and defend against AI-powered fraud.
