From Deepfakes to Fake Ads: AI Scamming Exposed
In 2024, scammers are evolving rapidly, using AI technology to create and implement scams more quickly and cheaply than ever before. As these threats become increasingly sophisticated, it’s crucial to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves. This social media campaign involves engaging videos that highlight effective methods to combat AI-enhanced scams.
SERVICES
Motion Design, Social Media
Software
Adobe After Effects, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Premier Pro
Problem
In 2024, the rise of AI-enhanced scams poses a significant threat to online users, particularly targeting Generation Z, who are among the most susceptible to these deceptive tactics (F-Secure). As scammers leverage advanced technology to create convincing fake content, in a world where it’s increasingly difficult to distinguish what is real from what is not, it’s crucial for individuals to develop a keen awareness of potential red flags that signal fraudulent schemes.
SOLUTION
To address this issue, I have developed a social media campaign consisting of informative videos that educate viewers on identifying AI scams and understanding their methods.
Take a Reel good Look
Key Defences
Staying vigilant and questioning the legitimacy of ads, calls, emails, or any type of media is crucial in combating AI scams. Strategies such as using a secret phrase, calling a friend to verify, staying calm, and avoiding suspicious links can help protect against these threats. Generation Z's false sense of security, driven by the misconception that tech-savviness prevents scams, leaves them particularly vulnerable to AI scams, according to TechBuzzIreland.com.
AI QUESTIONNAIRE
I conducted a survey using Google Surveys, distributing it through family members, classmates, and friends. The survey gathered 33 responses from participants aged 16 to 63. Of those surveyed, 39.33% expressed concerns about AI's potential for misuse, highlighting its perceived dangers. Notably, 30% reported having been directly impacted by an AI-driven scam, such as a call, text, or email. Additionally, 24% stated they knew someone personally affected, with email scams being the most commonly cited case. 63.1% of the responses also indicated that social media was the main source for AI enhanced scams. These findings underscore the growing prevalence and impact of AI-enhanced scams.
The Safety Net
These designs ensure seamless compatibility across nearly all smartphone screens, enhancing accessibility and maximizing audience engagement on mobile-first platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok.
Storyboarding
I used quick sketches and simple notes to plan how animations would flow and enter the frame. These rough drafts gave me a clear vision of the sequence and helped organize the animation process. Inspired by this approach, I worked more efficiently, refining key elements before moving to digital production.
Stylized Graphics
I kept the character and graphic designs very simple, focusing on clean and minimal shapes. My main inspiration came from the YouTube channel Kurzgesagt, whose simplified animation style resonated with me. I also drew from the Corporate Memphis ideology, reducing characters to their basic shapes and using abstraction to convey ideas clearly. This approach allowed me to create visuals that were both quick to produce and easy to understand.
Cited Sources
Experian.com - Provided many general facts and knowledge on AI scams with different methods to combating them
Norton.com - Also provided good strategies to combat AI and similar concepts
National Cybersecurity Alliance - Showed studies that show Gen Z and Millenials are more susceptible to scams than older generations
Tech.co - Depicted more types of AI scams with examples and how fight back
Centralbank.net - Explained an quick overview of the rise in AI scams along with more ways ot combat them
FTC.gov - Gave a specific example of an AI-powered scam for financial gain
Takeaway
Working on these campaign allowed me to delve into the dual nature of AI—exploring its potential as a productive tool while also uncovering its nefarious applications in scams. This endeavor not only challenged me to work with new mediums and software but also ignited my passion for crafting meaningful content. It was truly exciting to produce videos that can make a positive impact in the fight against AI scams.