Day 22: Scams that use AI — LearnAI

Today's idea

It used to be easy to spot a fake message, because it had spelling mistakes or odd wording. Now, if a message is written in perfect language, should you assume it's real? (tap to see)

No. Scammers can use AI too, and write messages in perfect English (or any other language). So don't judge by the language alone — look at what the message is about and what it asks you to do.

Even perfect language can hide a trap

Not long ago, the easiest way to spot a fake message was spelling mistakes and jumbled wording. A scammer writing in a hurry would slip up like that. Now that clue is gone, because scammers can use AI to write neat, flawless messages too.

So scams now sound far more believable. You might get a fake job offer promising a huge salary. You might get a message saying you've won a lottery or a prize, but to collect it you must first give some details or pay a small fee. You might even get a call or message in the name of a bank or a government office, saying your account will be closed unless you share a code or some details right now.

The real way to spot these isn't the quality of the language — it's a few warning signs: strange urgency, an offer that's too good to be true, and, biggest of all, a request for an OTP, PIN or password. Remember, no real bank or organisation ever asks for these over the phone or by message.

Try it yourself Time: 3 minutes

1.Open the Gemini or ChatGPT app.
2.Pick a suspicious message or email you got recently — something claiming to be about a job, a prize or your bank, perhaps.
3.Type out the text of the message (leave out any personal details) and ask:

Delete the part inside the square brackets [ ] and put your own details there.

Look at the message below and tell me whether it could be a scam, and which signs show that: [write the message here]
4.Read the answer. But if the message asks anywhere for an OTP, PIN or password, don't wait for the AI — you already know it's a scam.

Do it together Time: 5 minutes

With anyone — a child, a parent, a friend or a colleague.

Talk with the person you're with about a suspicious message or call you each got recently. What made you suspicious first, and what seemed totally believable? Make a short list together.

We did this together

Today's key point

Don't assume a message is real just because its language is perfect, and never tell anyone your OTP, PIN or password.

Check yourself

Two quick questions from today's lesson.

1. If a message has perfect spelling and language, what does that mean?

Correct answer: You can't tell if it's real or fake from the language alone, because scammers now use AI to write perfect language too — a message can be a scam even if the language is perfect, so you have to look for other signs.

2. If someone calls or messages in the name of an organisation and asks for your OTP or PIN, what should you do?

Correct answer: Never share it, because no real organisation asks for it — never share your OTP, PIN or password with anyone; no real organisation asks for it.