Technology
FBI's new warning about AI-driven scams that are after your cash
The FBI is issuing a warning that criminals are increasingly using generative AI technologies, particularly deepfakes, to exploit unsuspecting individuals. This alert serves as a reminder of the growing sophistication and accessibility of these technologies and the urgent need for vigilance in protecting ourselves from potential scams. Let’s explore what deepfakes are, how they’re being used by criminals and what steps you can take to safeguard your personal information.
I’M GIVING AWAY THE LATEST & GREATEST AIRPODS PRO 2
Enter the giveaway by signing up for my free newsletter.
FBI building in D.C. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The rise of deepfake technology
Deepfakes refer to AI-generated content that can convincingly mimic real people, including their voices, images and videos. Criminals are using these techniques to impersonate individuals, often in crisis situations. For instance, they might generate audio clips that sound like a loved one asking for urgent financial assistance or even create real-time video calls that appear to involve company executives or law enforcement officials. The FBI has identified 17 common techniques used by criminals to create these deceptive materials.
Image of AI illustration (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
THE AI-POWERED GRANDMA TAKING ON SCAMMERS
Key tactics used by criminals
The FBI has identified 17 common techniques that criminals are using to exploit generative AI technologies, particularly deepfakes, for fraudulent activities. Here is a comprehensive list of these techniques.
1) Voice cloning: Generating audio clips that mimic the voice of a family member or other trusted individuals to manipulate victims.
2) Real-time video calls: Creating fake video interactions that appear to involve authority figures, such as law enforcement or corporate executives.
3) Social engineering: Utilizing emotional appeals to manipulate victims into revealing personal information or transferring funds.
4) AI-generated text: Crafting realistic written messages for phishing attacks and social engineering schemes, making them appear credible.
5) AI-generated images: Using synthetic images to create believable profiles on social media or fraudulent websites.
6) AI-generated videos: Producing convincing videos that can be used in scams, including investment frauds or impersonation schemes.
7) Creating fake social media profiles: Establishing fraudulent accounts that use AI-generated content to deceive others.
8) Phishing emails: Sending emails that appear legitimate but are crafted using AI to trick recipients into providing sensitive information.
9) Impersonation of public figures: Using deepfake technology to create videos or audio clips that mimic well-known personalities for scams.
10) Fake identification documents: Generating fraudulent IDs, such as driver’s licenses or credentials, for identity fraud and impersonation.
11) Investment fraud schemes: Deploying AI-generated materials to convince victims to invest in non-existent opportunities.
12) Ransom demands: Impersonating loved ones in distress to solicit ransom payments from victims.
13) Manipulating voice recognition systems: Using cloned voices to bypass security measures that rely on voice authentication.
14) Fake charity appeals: Creating deepfake content that solicits donations under false pretenses, often during crises.
15) Business email compromise: Crafting emails that appear to come from executives or trusted contacts to authorize fraudulent transactions.
16) Creating misinformation campaigns: Utilizing deepfake videos as part of broader disinformation efforts, particularly around significant events like elections.
17) Exploiting crisis situations: Generating urgent requests for help or money during emergencies, leveraging emotional manipulation.
Image of AI illustration (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
These tactics highlight the increasing sophistication of fraud schemes facilitated by generative AI and the importance of vigilance in protecting personal information.
FCC NAMES ITS FIRST-EVER AI SCAMMER IN THREAT ALERT
Tips for protecting yourself from deepfakes
Implementing the following strategies can enhance your security and awareness against deepfake-related fraud.
1) Limit your online presence: Reduce the amount of personal information, especially high-quality images and videos, available on social media by adjusting privacy settings.
2) Invest in personal data removal services: The less information is out there, the harder it is for someone to create a deepfake of you. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.
3) Avoid sharing sensitive information: Never disclose personal details or financial information to strangers online or over the phone.
4) Stay vigilant with new connections: Be cautious when accepting new friends or connections on social media; verify their authenticity before engaging.
5) Check privacy settings on social media: Ensure that your profiles are set to private and that you only accept friend requests from trusted individuals. Here’s how to switch any social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and any others you may use, to private.
6) Use two-factor authentication (2FA): Implement 2FA on your accounts to add an extra layer of security against unauthorized access.
7) Verify callers: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and independently verify the caller’s identity by contacting their organization through official channels.
8) Watermark your media: When sharing photos or videos online, consider using digital watermarks to deter unauthorized use.
9) Monitor your accounts regularly: Keep an eye on your financial and online accounts for any unusual activity that could indicate fraud.
10) Use strong and unique passwords: Employ different passwords for various accounts to prevent a single breach from compromising multiple services. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
11) Regularly backup your data: Maintain backups of important data to protect against ransomware attacks and ensure recovery in case of data loss.
12) Create a secret verification phrase: Establish a unique word or phrase with family and friends to verify identities during unexpected communications.
13) Be aware of visual imperfections: Look for subtle flaws in images or videos, such as distorted features or unnatural movements, which may indicate manipulation.
14) Listen for anomalies in voice: Pay attention to the tone, pitch and choice of words in audio clips. AI-generated voices may sound unnatural or robotic.
15) Don’t click on links or download attachments from suspicious sources: Be cautious when receiving emails, direct messages, texts, phone calls or other digital communications if the source is unknown. This is especially true if the message is demanding that you act fast, such as claiming your computer has been hacked or that you have won a prize. Deepfake creators attempt to manipulate your emotions, so you download malware or share personal information. Always think before you click.
The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
16) Be cautious with money transfers: Do not send money, gift cards or cryptocurrencies to people you do not know or have met only online or over the phone.
17) Report suspicious activity: If you suspect that you have been targeted by scammers or have fallen victim to a fraud scheme, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
A woman typing on her laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
By following these tips, individuals can better protect themselves from the risks associated with deepfake technology and related scams.
30% OF AMERICANS OVER 65 WANT TO BE REMOVED FROM THE WEB. HERE’S WHY
Kurt’s key takeaways
The increasing use of generative AI technologies, particularly deepfakes, by criminals highlights a pressing need for awareness and caution. As the FBI warns, these sophisticated tools enable fraudsters to impersonate individuals convincingly, making scams harder to detect and more believable than ever. It’s crucial for everyone to understand the tactics employed by these criminals and to take proactive steps to protect their personal information. By staying informed about the risks and implementing security measures, such as verifying identities and limiting online exposure, we can better safeguard ourselves against these emerging threats.
In what ways do you think businesses and governments should respond to the growing threat of AI-powered fraud? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.
Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:
New from Kurt:
Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
If your clean laundry has been sitting in a basket long enough to qualify as furniture, Isaac 1 may sound like the robot you have been waiting for. Weave Robotics has introduced Isaac 1, a mobile home robot designed to handle household chores that many of us keep pushing off to tomorrow. It can pick up dirty clothes, handle loaded hampers, fold laundry and put clothes away.
It can also help with making beds, fixing pillows and blankets, plus putting everyday clutter back where it belongs. That sounds pretty amazing to me, especially if your house has kids, pets or a laundry pile that seems to regenerate overnight. However, Isaac 1 also raises a very personal question: how much access would you give a robot inside your home if it meant fewer chores?
HUMANOID ROBOT CLEANS FIRST US APARTMENT
Weave Robotics’ Isaac 1 home robot can fold laundry, make beds and tidy rooms, but its $7,999 price tag raises questions about cost and privacy. (Weave Robotics)
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
What is the Isaac 1 robot?
Isaac 1 is a wheeled mobile robot built from the ground up for the home. Weave says it designed and assembled the robot in San Francisco. The robot has a soft fabric shell, a solid internal structure and a collapsible torso. It can shrink down when it is off duty or extend up to a more human height when it needs to work.
Unlike a robot vacuum, Isaac 1 can reach for objects, move items around and interact with clutter in your home. You control it through a smartphone companion app. That app lets you request a task on demand or schedule one for later. So, Isaac 1 could work while you are home or handle a chore while you are away.
How the Isaac 1 robot folds laundry and resets rooms
Isaac 1’s main features fall into two areas. The first is Laundry Flow. Isaac 1 can find dirty clothes, pick them up, handle loaded hampers, fold clothing and put items away. Depending on your home setup, Weave says Isaac 1 may also help with related tasks, such as loading and unloading clothes from a washer or dryer.
The second area is Daily Reset. That means Isaac 1 can tidy rooms so they feel ready to use again. It can make beds, straighten pillows and blankets and return toys, shoes and other clutter to their places. For many homes, that could be a big deal. Laundry and daily pickup chores tend to drain time because they never really end.
Isaac 1 robot specs for your home
Isaac 1 has an 8-hour battery life and a listed charge time of about two hours. It connects through Wi-Fi and has a footprint of 20.5 inches by 22 inches. Its height ranges from 3 feet to 5 feet 9 inches because the torso can collapse or extend.
Weave also lists an 80-inch vertical reach and a 38-inch horizontal reach. Those specs help explain how Isaac 1 could reach beds, hampers, shelves and other parts of a normal home. It also uses a wheeled base, which Weave says makes it passively stable as it completes tasks.
At preorder, you can also choose a color preference, including Sage, Gray, Slate Blue, Terracotta or Vesper.
CHINA’S ROBOT-RUN HOTEL OPENS TO PUBLIC IN 2027
Isaac 1 is designed to help with laundry, clutter and daily home resets while using cameras, Wi-Fi and possible remote assistance. (Weave Robotics)
Isaac 1 robot autonomy and privacy questions
Weave says Isaac 1 is autonomous by default for Laundry Flow and Daily Reset. However, the company also says teleoperation assistance may step in when needed to make sure tasks get completed. That detail deserves your attention because Isaac 1 works inside your home. Teleoperation means a person can help the robot remotely if it gets confused by an item, a room layout or a task. In some cases, that could make the robot more useful. It could also help prevent chores from getting stuck halfway.
Weave says privacy is core to Isaac 1’s design. The company also says the robot has physical cues that show when it is working. However, Weave’s privacy policy says its robots have video cameras and may record visual content about their surroundings. That can include tasks being performed, objects in the robot’s field of view and people nearby. The policy also says Weave’s workforce may remotely access that information in connection with the robot’s operation. That does not mean you should panic. It does mean you should read the policy before putting down a deposit.
Isaac 1 may need cameras to fold clothes and move through your home. Still, your bedroom, laundry area and living room are private spaces. You deserve clear answers about what gets recorded, who can see it and how long it is stored. Before ordering, ask whether video can be deleted, whether you can opt out of AI training uses and how you can limit where the robot operates.
Isaac 1 robot price and preorder details
Weave lists two payment options for home customers. You can pay $7,999 upfront, with an optional $99-per-month premium membership, or choose a $449-per-month subscription plan. You can also preorder Isaac 1 with a fully refundable $250 deposit. That deposit reserves your place in line and remains refundable until your robot ships.
For some, the math may come down to time. If Isaac 1 handles enough laundry and daily cleanup, the cost may feel easier to justify. For others, $449 a month may feel like too much for an early home robot.
Isaac 1 robot shipping timeline
Weave says first shipments begin in fall 2026. California deliveries come first, with broader U.S. availability expected through 2027.
After you preorder, Weave says you should receive a confirmation and thank-you email. As your delivery date gets closer, the company plans to coordinate a demo.
That demo may happen in person at a Weave location or remotely over a video call. Weave also says it will use that time to understand your top priorities for Isaac 1 inside your home.
What this means to you
If Isaac 1 works as promised, it could give you back time from chores that never seem finished. Laundry alone can take hours each week, especially in a busy household. It could also help if bending, lifting or carrying loaded hampers has become a hassle. For some homes, a robot that folds clothes and resets rooms may offer more than convenience.
However, Isaac 1 is still a connected device moving through private rooms. It uses cameras, connects to Wi-Fi and may involve remote help when needed. So before you place a deposit, think about your home layout and where you would actually feel comfortable letting it work.
GOOGLE TURNS OLD PHONES INTO CLOUD SERVERS
Weave Robotics says Isaac 1 can pick up dirty clothes, fold laundry and put items away after users schedule chores through an app. (Weave Robotics)
Watch the CyberGuy Live replay: Lock Down Your Phone in 30 Minutes
Your phone holds your email, passwords, photos, banking apps and personal data. In this free CyberGuy Live replay, Kurt the CyberGuy walks you step by step through simple phone security fixes you can do at your own pace. You’ll learn how to improve your privacy settings, spot the latest phone scams, use trusted security tools and walk away with a simple checklist to stay protected. Watch the replay and get our checklist here: CyberGuyLive.com.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Isaac 1 is the kind of robot that makes you stop and say, “OK, now we’re getting somewhere.” Nobody looks forward to folding laundry, making beds or picking up the same clutter again and again. These are the chores that eat up your precious time and seem never-ending. The price is the hard part. At $7,999 upfront or $449 a month, Isaac 1 has to do a lot more than look cool in a demo. It has to save you real time, work reliably and fit into your home without creating new headaches. Then there is the privacy side. Isaac 1 uses cameras, connects to Wi-Fi and may involve remote help when needed. That does not make it a dealbreaker for me, but I would want very clear answers before letting it work in private spaces like my bedroom or bathroom. I love the idea of a robot taking laundry off my hands. I am just not sure most of us are ready to pay nearly $8,000 for that privilege quite yet.
Would you let a robot see inside your home if it meant you never had to fold another load of laundry again? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
We’re aware of at least two forged letters circulating on the internet, including this one, that purport to be cease-and-desist letters from our legal department. To be clear: these letters did not come from me or from anyone at Flock.
Flock welcomes and encourages public debate about our technology. We have not and would not seek to discourage, prevent, or prohibit such discussion and debate. In fact, we would be happy to participate in any such discussions the group in question might host in the future.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A flyer offering “free athletic shoes from VA” may look official at first glance. It uses VA-style branding, talks about health and wellness and even lists the MyVA phone number. That is what makes it so dangerous.
VA says the message falsely claims Veterans can receive free athletic shoes from VA. The agency says the promotion did not come from VA and has no connection to any official VA program.
The scam appears to be spreading through a flyer and online posts. It tells Veterans they may be eligible for free athletic shoes “at no cost to you.” It also shows popular shoe brands, steps to “redeem” shoes and a process that appears to involve a VA provider.
That may be enough to get someone to click, call, share or forward before they stop to think.
MEDICAL IDENTITY THEFT FOLLOWS YOU INTO THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE
Veterans are being warned not to click links, scan QR codes or share personal information tied to a fake VA shoe offer. (Kira Hofmann/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
Fake VA shoe offer: what VA says
VA says the free athletic shoe promotion is fake. It did not come from an official VA program, including VPRs, Central Office or Whole Health.
That is important because the flyer borrows the look and feel of a trusted government agency. It also uses health language to make the offer sound like a wellness benefit.
But let’s be real here. A free pair of shoes can sound harmless until the next step asks for your personal details.
Why the fake VA shoe flyer looks so believable
This scam works because it mixes familiar names with an official-looking design. The flyer uses VA branding, a health-focused message and well-known athletic shoe brands.
It also presents the offer as a benefit. That can make people feel like they may miss out if they do not act.
Scammers know that veterans and families often deal with a lot of paperwork, benefit updates and health care messages. A fake flyer can slide into that confusion and feel more believable than it should.
How scammers use real VA details to build trust
One sneaky detail stands out. The flyer lists the MyVA number, but that alone does not make the flyer real.
Scammers often mix real information with fake offers. A real phone number, real logo or familiar agency name can make people lower their guard.
That is why you should verify the offer through VA.gov, your official VA account or your local VA facility before responding.
What the fake VA shoe offer could steal
The flyer may look like it is only about shoes. The bigger risk comes next.
A fake offer like this could lead to a phishing page, a bogus form, a QR code trap or someone asking for sensitive details. That could include your Social Security number, VA login information, health information, address, bank details or credit card number.
Scammers may also use the information to target you again. Once they know you responded to a fake VA offer, they may try a follow-up call, text or email.
DR OZ WARNS MEDICARE SCAMMERS ARE STEALING BILLIONS — AND YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION COULD BE NEXT
A fake flyer claiming Veterans can get free athletic shoes from VA is spreading online, but the agency says it is not tied to any official program. (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
What to do if you see the fake VA shoe offer
Do not share it. Do not forward it. Do not fill out a form. Do not scan any code connected to it.
Also, do not provide personal, financial or health information because of this flyer.
Instead, warn veterans, family members and colleagues without spreading the image. A quick heads-up can help someone avoid a costly mistake.
Ways to stay safe from VA scams
A few smart habits can help you spot fake VA messages before they turn into a bigger problem.
1) Verify the offer through VA.gov
Go directly to VA.gov or use your official VA account. Do not rely on a flyer, social media post, text message or forwarded image.
2) Do not scan QR codes or click links
A scam flyer may send you to a fake website that looks official. Type the web address yourself or search for the VA page directly.
3) Never share VA login details
Do not give anyone your VA.gov username, password or sign-in code. VA says it will not ask you to share login credentials in an email.
4) Protect personal and health information
Treat your Social Security number, address, date of birth, medical information and benefits details as sensitive. A free offer should never require that kind of information from a random form.
QR CODE EMAIL SCAM TARGETS EMPLOYEE REVIEWS
VA says veterans should verify suspicious benefit offers through VA.gov, an official VA account or a local VA facility. (Antonio Diaz / Getty Images)
5) Call VA using a trusted number
If you have questions, contact VA through an official phone number, the VA website or your local VA facility. Do not trust contact details from a suspicious flyer alone.
6) Report the fake VA shoe offer
Veterans who suspect fraud can report it through VSAFE.gov or call 1-833-38V-SAFE. Reports help VA and other agencies track scams that target veterans.
7) Use strong antivirus protection
Strong antivirus software can help protect you if you click a bad link, scan a risky QR code or land on a fake website tied to a scam. Good protection can block malicious pages, warn you about suspicious downloads and help stop malware before it does damage. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
8) Consider a data removal service
Scammers often use personal details found online to make fake offers feel more believable. A data removal service can help reduce how much of your information is sitting on people-search sites, including your address, phone number and other details that can be used to target you. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com.
9) Take action fast if you responded
If you already clicked, scanned, called or shared information, change your VA.gov password right away. Use a trusted password manager to create and store a strong, unique password you do not use anywhere else. Turn on multifactor authentication if you have not already done that. Then watch your accounts for suspicious activity.
10) Warn others without forwarding the flyer
Tell family members, friends and veteran groups that the offer is fake, but do not send the flyer along with your warning. Even if your goal is to help, someone else may miss your warning, save the image or share it again. Instead, send a short message that says the free VA shoe offer is a scam and tell them to verify any VA benefit through VA.gov or their local VA facility.
Kurt’s key takeaways
A free pair of shoes can make you drop your guard, especially when the flyer uses VA branding and familiar shoe names. That is the whole trick. Scammers are using trust to push veterans and families toward a bad link, a fake form or a request for personal info. Slow down and verify it through VA.gov or your local VA facility. And if you want to warn someone, send them a message saying the offer is fake instead of forwarding the flyer itself. That keeps the scam from spreading.
Would this fake VA shoe offer have made you pause, or would the official-looking design have fooled you? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
-
Health6 minutes agoEating common dairy food every day may slow biological aging, study suggests
-
Sports9 minutes agoCM Punk to defend Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam
-
Technology14 minutes agoWould you pay $8,000 for a robot to fold laundry?
-
Business21 minutes agoLegendary Television City may be be sold in further blow to Hollywood
-
Entertainment24 minutes ago‘Foreign Tongues’ is the funniest Rolling Stones album in decades
-
Lifestyle29 minutes agoHow to have the best Sunday in L.A., according to Deidre Hall
-
Politics36 minutes agoTrump administration clears path for controversial Mojave Desert water pipeline
-
Sports44 minutes agoWorld Cup fans flock to In-N-Out, Erewhon and Trader Joe’s for a taste of California
