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Artificial Intelligence and Fraud: How Scammers Are Using AI and How You Can Protect Yourself
Technology has transformed the way we live, work, and communicate. Unfortunately, it has also transformed the way criminals scam people. Artificial intelligence (AI) is now being used by fraudsters to make scams faster, more convincing, and harder to detect than ever before.

While scams themselves are not new, AI allows criminals to automate deception, imitate real people, and manipulate victims with alarming accuracy. From cloned voices to fake videos and sophisticated phishing messages, AI-enabled fraud is becoming one of the fastest-growing threats facing individuals, businesses, and communities today.

Why AI Makes Fraud More Dangerous
Artificial intelligence gives scammers tools that dramatically increase the effectiveness of traditional fraud schemes. AI can:

Generate realistic emails and text messages
Clone voices using only a few seconds of audio
Create fake images and videos (“deepfakes”)
Personalize scams using information gathered online
Automate large-scale attacks targeting thousands of people at once
These technologies make scams appear more believable because they often imitate trusted people, organizations, or situations.

For example, someone may receive:

A phone call that sounds exactly like a family member asking for emergency money
A video appearing to show a trusted public figure endorsing an investment
A text message pretending to be from a bank or employer
An email with perfect grammar and branding that looks completely legitimate
The goal is always the same: to steal money, personal information, or access to accounts.

Common Types of AI-Enhanced Scams:

1. Investment Scams
Investment scams remain one of the most financially damaging forms of fraud. AI tools allow scammers to create convincing fake websites, social media advertisements, testimonials, and even fabricated financial experts.

Fraudsters may:

Promise guaranteed returns
Use fake celebrity endorsements
Show fabricated investment growth charts
Create AI-generated videos promoting fake opportunities
These scams often pressure victims to act quickly before “missing out.”

Warning Signs
Guaranteed profits with little or no risk
Requests for cryptocurrency payments
Pressure to invest immediately
Unlicensed or unverifiable companies

2. Business Email Compromise (BEC) and Phishing
AI has made phishing attacks far more sophisticated. Scam emails now sound professional, personalized, and free of obvious spelling or grammar mistakes.

In business settings, criminals may impersonate:

Executives
Vendors
Coworkers
Human resources departments
They often request:

Wire transfers
Gift card purchases
Payroll changes
Login credentials
Warning Signs
Urgent requests involving money
Slightly altered email addresses
Unexpected attachments or links
Requests to bypass normal procedures

3. Tech Support Scams
Scammers use AI chat systems and spoofed phone numbers to convince people their computers or accounts have been compromised.

Victims may see:

Fake virus alerts
Pop-up warnings
Calls claiming to be from technology companies
Once trust is gained, scammers may ask for:

Remote access to devices
Credit card payments
Passwords or personal information
Warning Signs
Unsolicited tech support calls
Demands for immediate payment
Requests for remote computer access
Claims your device is infected before any diagnosis

4. Impersonation and Voice Cloning
One of the most alarming uses of AI is voice cloning. In some cases, scammers only need a few seconds of audio from social media videos or voicemail greetings to imitate a person’s voice.

Victims may receive calls from someone sounding exactly like:

A child
A grandchild
A coworker
A friend
The caller may claim:

They were arrested
They were in an accident
They need emergency money immediately
How to Protect Yourself
Create a family password or “safe word” that only trusted family members know. If you receive a suspicious emergency call, ask for the password before taking any action.

5. Romance Scams
AI-generated photos, videos, and messages are helping scammers build fake online relationships faster than ever before.

Scammers may spend weeks or months gaining trust before asking for:

Money
Gift cards
Cryptocurrency
Financial account access
AI allows criminals to maintain multiple fake identities simultaneously, making romance scams increasingly common and emotionally devastating.

Warning Signs
Refusal to meet in person
Constant excuses
Requests for financial help
Relationships progressing unusually fast
6. Text Phishing (“Smishing”)
Text scams have become highly personalized using AI-generated messaging.

Examples include:

Fake delivery notifications
Banking alerts
Toll payment requests
Security warnings
These messages often contain links designed to steal login information or install malware.

Warning Signs
Unexpected texts requesting immediate action
Suspicious links
Requests for account verification
Messages creating panic or urgency
How to Protect Yourself from AI-Driven Fraud
1. Limit What You Share Online
Scammers collect information from social media profiles, videos, and public posts.

Avoid sharing:

Personal schedules
Travel plans
Financial information
Excessive voice or video recordings
Sensitive family details
The less information available publicly, the harder it becomes for scammers to imitate or manipulate you.

2. Verify Before You Trust
Never rely solely on:

Caller ID
Email appearance
Familiar voices
Video footage
Instead:

Call the person back using a trusted number
Contact organizations directly
Verify requests through separate communication channels
3. Watch for Emotional Manipulation
Scammers succeed by creating:

Fear
Urgency
Excitement
Sympathy
Pause before acting on emotional requests involving money or personal information.

4. Look Closely at Videos and Images
AI-generated media can still contain subtle imperfections.

Watch for:

Unnatural blinking
Odd facial movements
Audio delays
Distorted backgrounds
Unnatural speech patterns
As technology improves, these clues may become harder to spot, making verification even more important.

5. Use Strong Security Practices
Protect accounts by:

Using strong, unique passwords
Enabling multi-factor authentication
Updating devices regularly
Monitoring financial statements
Using password managers
6. Talk with Family Members
Education is one of the strongest defenses against fraud.

Discuss:

Voice-cloning scams
Emergency verification plans
Online safety
Financial fraud warning signs
Older adults, teenagers, and first-time internet users are often heavily targeted.

What To Do If You Suspect a Scam
If you believe you’ve encountered fraud:

Stop communication immediately
Do not send money or personal information
Contact your bank or financial institution
Change compromised passwords
Report the incident to local law enforcement or fraud reporting agencies
Warn friends and family if your accounts may have been compromised
Quick action can reduce financial damage and help prevent others from becoming victims.

Communities Working Together Against Fraud
Public awareness is one of the most effective ways to combat scams. Community organizations, law enforcement agencies, schools, and local leaders all play a role in educating residents about evolving fraud tactics.

Programs focused on community safety and fraud prevention help people:

Recognize warning signs
Learn digital safety skills
Stay informed about emerging threats
Build stronger connections between residents and local organizations
As AI technology continues to evolve, education and awareness will remain essential tools in protecting individuals and communities from fraud.

Final Thoughts
Artificial intelligence is changing the fraud landscape rapidly. Scammers are becoming more convincing, more organized, and more difficult to identify. However, awareness, verification, and strong digital habits can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim. ... See MoreSee Less

Don’t Fall for the Dream: How Lottery Scams Are Impacting Iowans
Winning the lottery is something many of us have imagined at one point or another. A surprise windfall, financial freedom, and the ability to help loved ones—it’s an exciting thought. Unfortunately, scammers know this too, and they use that dream to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals.

Between 2020 and 2025, Iowans reported losing over $5.2 million to lottery scams, with the majority of victims being age 65 and older. These scams are not just numbers—they represent real people, real savings, and real hardship.

How Lottery Scams Work
Lottery scams are designed to feel exciting and urgent. You may receive a phone call, text message, email, or even a social media message claiming that you’ve won a large prize. The message often looks official and may even include fake logos or documents to appear legitimate.

But there’s a catch—there always is.

Before you can “claim” your winnings, the scammer will ask you to:

Pay a fee (for taxes, processing, or delivery)
Provide personal or financial information
Click a link and enter sensitive details
In reality, there is no prize. Once you send money or share information, it’s often gone for good.

Red Flags to Watch For
Understanding the warning signs is one of the most powerful ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.

1. It seems too good to be true
If you didn’t enter a lottery, you didn’t win one. Legitimate lotteries do not randomly select winners who never participated.

2. You’re asked to pay to claim a prize
This is one of the biggest red flags. Real lotteries deduct taxes from winnings—they don’t require upfront payments.

3. Requests for personal information
Scammers often try to collect Social Security numbers, bank account details, or passwords under the guise of “verification.”

4. Pressure to act quickly
Scammers create urgency so you don’t have time to think or verify the claim.

What You Should (and Shouldn’t) Do
If you receive a message about a lottery win, take a moment to pause and evaluate before responding.

Do NOT:

Send money to claim a prize
Share financial or personal information
Click on suspicious links
Respond to unsolicited messages
Do:

Talk to a trusted friend or family member
Verify the information through official sources
Report the scam to local authorities or consumer protection agencies
Why Older Adults Are Often Targeted
Scammers frequently target older adults because they are more likely to have savings, own their homes, and be trusting of official-looking communications. Additionally, scammers may assume older individuals are less familiar with digital fraud tactics.

That’s why it’s so important for families and communities to have open conversations about scams. A simple discussion can prevent a devastating loss.

Building a Safer Community Together
The Safe Communities Coalition of Fort Dodge and Webster County is committed to raising awareness and helping residents stay informed. Education is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent scams and protect one another.

By learning the signs and sharing this information, you can help stop scams before they start.

Because when it comes to protecting our community, awareness isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. ... See MoreSee Less

Recognizing Excellence in Law Enforcement
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, observed on January 9, is an opportunity to pause and recognize the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of the men and women who serve our communities every day. At Safe Communities Coalition, we believe it’s important not only to say thank you, but also to highlight the meaningful impact local law enforcement has on community safety.

What Is a Crime Clearance Rate?
A crime clearance rate represents the percentage of reported crimes that are solved. According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer (CDE), a case is considered “cleared” when:

An arrest is made, or

The offender is identified, but an arrest cannot be made due to circumstances beyond law enforcement control, such as the death of the offender.

Clearance rates are one of several tools used to understand investigative effectiveness and accountability within law enforcement agencies.

How Our Local Agencies Compare
Data from the Crime Data Explorer (cde.ucr.cjis.gov) shows that over the past five years, local law enforcement in Fort Dodge has consistently achieved closure rates above the national average across major crime categories, including:

Homicide

Aggravated Assault

Robbery

Rape

Larceny

Burglary

These outcomes reflect countless hours of investigative work, collaboration with community members, and a commitment to seeing cases through to resolution.

Why This Matters
High clearance rates are more than just statistics. They represent:

Justice for victims

Accountability for offenders

Increased community trust

Safer neighborhoods for families

When crimes are solved, it sends a powerful message that violence and theft are taken seriously—and that law enforcement and the community are working together to prevent harm.

Our Commitment as a Coalition
The Safe Communities Coalition is dedicated to educating the public, improving safety awareness, and encouraging positive, productive engagement between law enforcement and the community. By sharing data, promoting transparency, and celebrating success, we aim to strengthen relationships that make our community safer and stronger.

We are proud to recognize the hard work of our local law enforcement professionals and thank them for their continued service to Fort Dodge and Webster County. ... See MoreSee Less

Thank an officer today! ... See MoreSee Less

A Resolution to Improve Community Safety
As a new year begins, many of us set resolutions focused on personal goals—getting organized, exercising more, or saving money. While those intentions are valuable, the start of a new year is also a powerful opportunity to think beyond ourselves and focus on something that benefits everyone: community safety.

At Safe Communities Coalition, we believe that safer neighborhoods are built through awareness, connection, and shared responsibility. This year, consider making a resolution that strengthens not only your household, but the entire community.

Talk About Safety—Regularly
One of the most impactful steps families can take is having ongoing conversations about safety. Set aside weekly or monthly time to talk with children about topics like home safety, online safety, personal boundaries, and what to do in emergencies. These discussions don’t have to be formal or scary—simple, age-appropriate conversations build confidence and preparedness over time.

Stay Proactive About Data Protection
Identity theft and cybercrime don’t discriminate by age. Make it a habit to review passwords, monitor bank and credit activity, and talk with kids about protecting personal information online. Scheduling a specific time each month to check accounts or update passwords can help prevent issues before they arise.

Get to Know Your Neighbors
Strong communities are connected communities. Challenge yourself to get to know a certain number of neighbors this year—whether it’s learning their names, exchanging contact information, or simply saying hello. Familiar faces increase trust, improve communication, and make neighborhoods safer places to live.

Give Back Through Volunteering
Volunteering is a meaningful way to strengthen community bonds and address local needs. Look for opportunities that fit your interests or involve your whole family. When residents actively contribute their time and talents, communities become more resilient and supportive.

Prioritize Emotional Connection
Safety isn’t only physical—it’s emotional, too. Make time for screen-free moments with loved ones. Shared meals, conversations, and activities help build strong relationships, which play a vital role in emotional well-being and overall safety.

Make Your Resolutions Sustainable
The key to meaningful change is setting resolutions that are realistic and sustainable. Start small by choosing one or two safety-focused goals rather than trying to tackle everything at once. Be specific about what you want to achieve and set simple timelines—such as monthly check-ins or quarterly goals—to help you stay on track. Celebrate progress along the way, even small wins, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Sustainable resolutions are built through consistency, not perfection, and small actions repeated over time can lead to lasting improvements in safety and connection.

A Shared Commitment to Safety
The Safe Communities Coalition is dedicated to educating the community, raising safety awareness, and encouraging positive, productive engagement between law enforcement and residents. By making intentional choices throughout the year, each of us can help create safer, stronger neighborhoods for everyone. ... See MoreSee Less

Don't forget to break down the boxes after you break out the new toys! ... See MoreSee Less