AI news, misinformation and scams
AI has made it cheap and easy to produce convincing fake stories, images and voices. That powers a new wave of misinformation and scams. The good news: a few simple habits protect your whole family.
AI-made news and misinformation
AI can write realistic articles and create matching images in seconds, so false stories now look as polished as real ones. They spread fastest when they are designed to make people angry or afraid, which is exactly when we are least likely to check.
Teach children that looking professional is no longer proof that something is true, and that a single dramatic post is not the same as verified news.
AI scams to know about
The "family emergency" call
A cloned voice of a relative claims to be in trouble and needs money or codes urgently. The voice can sound convincing from just seconds of audio taken from social media.
Fake celebrity or investment videos
Deepfake videos show a famous person promoting a get-rich-quick scheme or giveaway. If it promises easy money, it is a scam.
Fake customer support and prizes
AI-written messages pose as a bank, game or delivery company, or claim your child has won something, to get personal details or payment.
Agree a family safe word
Pick a word only your household knows. If a call or message claims to be a relative in trouble and cannot say the safe word, treat it as a scam and hang up. Simple, and it defeats voice-clone calls.
How to check a source
- 1Slow down. Scams and fake news work by making you feel shocked or rushed.
- 2Check who is really behind it. Is it a source you already know and trust, or an unknown account?
- 3Look for the same story on a trusted news site. If only one odd source has it, doubt it.
- 4For a worrying call or message, contact the person or company yourself using a number you already have.
Use the "Is it real?" check
A quick routine for whenever something seems off.
Last reviewed: July 2026.