Baldwin, MI – Artificial intelligence is transforming how the world communicates — but experts warn that the same technology powering search engines and digital assistants is also fueling a surge in scams, deepfakes, and online deception.
From northern Michigan to central Indiana, residents are reporting more sophisticated scam calls, texts, and emails — some using cloned voices or fake images that appear entirely real. Local authorities, cybersecurity firms, and consumer advocates are now joining forces to combat what some are calling a “global scam pandemic.”
Local Sheriff Urges Vigilance
In his “Sheriff’s Corner” column for The Lake County Star, Lake County Sheriff Rich Martin recently cautioned residents to stay alert to scams that use artificial intelligence. “(Criminals) are always trying to scam you one way or the other,” Martin wrote, emphasizing that scammers can impersonate relatives, coworkers, or even law enforcement to pressure victims into sending money.
Martin encouraged residents to verify suspicious messages directly with official sources and to take a pause before reacting to any message that demands urgency or secrecy. “The best defense,” he noted, “is awareness and verification.”
His advice echoes reports across the Midwest of phone calls that replicate a family member’s voice or official-sounding voicemails demanding fines or bail payments. The growing realism of these scams is making it harder for even tech-savvy users to tell fact from fraud.
A Worldwide Surge in Scam Activity
While local cases have increased, the trend extends far beyond Michigan. According to the 2025 F-Secure Scam Intelligence & Impacts Report, released Oct. 1, global scam rates doubled between 2024 and 2025. The report warns that scams have evolved into one of the most dangerous forms of digital crime, combining psychology and technology in unprecedented ways.
F-Secure found that 69% of people believe they can spot a scam, yet 43% of those still fell victim over the past year. Surprisingly, young adults aged 18–34 were found to be twice as likely to be targeted successfully as older adults — a reversal of previous trends that shows scammers are adapting their methods.
“Scamming people online has never been easier than it is today,” said Laura Kankaala, F-Secure’s Head of Threat Intelligence. “While awareness of scams is higher than ever, we’re seeing concerning trends across the world.”
Her colleague, Megan Squire, added that scams have become “industrialized, AI-powered, and psychologically manipulative,” blurring the line between personal deception and organized crime.
The Human Toll and the “Silent Epidemic”
Beyond the financial damage, F-Secure’s report highlights the emotional cost of these attacks. Many victims suffer anxiety, embarrassment, or loss of confidence — and only 7% of scams are ever reported, often due to shame or the belief that nothing can be done.
Experts call this the “silent epidemic” of the digital age: millions of small-scale frauds that rarely make headlines but collectively drain billions of dollars each year.
Tech Companies Respond with AI Defense
While scammers use AI to deceive, major cybersecurity companies are now deploying it to defend users. Earlier this year, Avast, part of Gen Digital Inc., announced Scam Guardian, a free AI-powered protection system integrated into its antivirus software.
Released globally in June 2025, Scam Guardian analyzes not just links or code but the language and emotional tone of messages — helping users detect scams even when no obvious malware is present.
“Today’s scams aren’t crude or obvious — they’re tailored, targeted, and AI-enhanced,” said Leena Elias, Gen’s Chief Product Officer. “That’s why we’re making powerful scam protection available to everyone, everywhere.”
Avast’s technology includes real-time “Web Guard” analysis to spot dangerous websites and an interactive “Avast Assistant” that allows users to ask, in plain language, whether a message or link seems suspicious. A premium version, Scam Guardian Pro, extends this protection to emails and mobile devices.
Data Breaches and Digital Trust
According to Avast’s Q1 2025 Gen Threat Report, the number of breached personal records rose 186% in early 2025, while phishing reports increased 466%. With so much personal data circulating online, scammers can easily tailor messages that feel authentic — referencing real addresses, employers, or relatives.
That personalization, combined with AI’s ability to mimic human voices and writing styles, makes traditional “red flag” advice less reliable than in the past.
Building Resilience Through Collaboration
Both F-Secure and Avast agree that individuals cannot fight this battle alone. In its report, F-Secure called on service providers — from phone carriers to social media platforms — to embed scam defenses directly into the systems people use every day.
“To stop this pandemic, we need to shift from blaming victims to building resilience,” said Fredrik Torstensson, F-Secure’s Chief Partner Business Officer. “Service providers have the opportunity to lead this effort by embedding protection into the services people rely on every day,.”
That means not only better technology, but also better education. F-Secure’s data shows that people who talk openly about scams with friends or family are far less likely to fall for them later. Experts urge residents to treat digital safety like any other kind of preparedness — a mix of awareness, prevention, and community support.
Staying Safe in an AI-Driven World
Law enforcement, security companies, and consumer advocates all emphasize the same core steps for protection:
- Pause before responding to urgent messages.
- Verify through official channels — never through links or numbers provided in the message.
- Keep software updated and use real-time scam protection tools.
- Share experiences to help others recognize similar tactics.
As AI continues to reshape how information spreads, its risks are growing alongside its benefits. But as Sheriff Martin reminded Lake County residents, “Remember, neither the government nor the police will ever ask you to pay wit gift cards.”
With both local vigilance and global innovation, experts say the next chapter of digital safety will depend not just on smarter machines, but on smarter users.
