RCMP warns public to watch for rise of AI-powered scams

Alberta RCMP is urging the public to stay alert for scams powered by artificial intelligence as part of Fraud Prevention Month.

The warning comes during a March campaign led by the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association aimed at educating Albertans about how fraud affects communities.

RCMP said AI is being used in a growing range of scams, including voice cloning, fake kidnapping calls, deepfake video impersonations, romance scams using chatbots, fake customer support agents, bogus investment advisers, phishing emails and texts, job interview scams, synthetic identity fraud and fake rental or online marketplace listings.

“AI-generated content can look flawless, feel personal, and reach anyone,” Cpl. Sean Milne of the RCMP’s Provincial Financial Crime Team in the Federal Policing Northwest Region said in a statement. “That is why staying alert is crucial. The more we learn to spot the subtle warning signs, the harder it becomes for scammers to turn powerful tools into targeted traps.”

Police are directing Albertans to resources on how cybercriminals are using AI in scams, how to spot AI-generated content and the risks it poses, and how AI can be used to create content.

Anyone unsure whether they are being targeted by a scam is encouraged to review common scam types on the Government of Canada website.

RCMP said fraud victims should report incidents to their local police service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. People who believe their personal or financial information has been compromised should also contact their bank and credit card provider.