October 25, 2026
As artificial intelligence makes online scams more convincing, a University of Missouri cybersecurity expert explains how people can protect their personal information.
Prasad Calyam warns that cybercriminals can use AI to generate convincing phishing emails, create fake retail websites and imitate trusted individuals through cloned voices or deepfake videos.
Eric Stann | Show Me Mizzou
Photo by Abbie Lankitus
Artificial intelligence can make a scammer sound like your boss, your bank or even someone you love. And as the technology becomes more sophisticated, a University of Missouri cybersecurity expert says spotting a scam isn’t as simple as looking for spelling mistakes.
Prasad Calyam, a Curators’ Distinguished Professor in Mizzou’s College of Engineering and director of the Artificial Intelligence Education, Research and Infrastructure Center (Mizzou AERI), explains how AI is changing online security, what information people should keep private and what steps they can take to recognize scams and protect their accounts.
How are criminals using AI to make scams harder to recognize?
Calyam: Cybercriminals can use AI to generate convincing phishing emails, create fake retail websites and imitate trusted individuals through cloned voices or deepfake videos. They can also use AI-powered chatbots to pose as customer service representatives or potential romantic partners.
These chatbots can carry on natural conversations, respond to questions and gradually build trust before asking for money or sensitive information. Because AI can adapt to what a person says, these interactions may be harder to recognize as fraudulent.
What personal information should people avoid sharing with AI tools?
Calyam: People should avoid sharing sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, home addresses, passwords, banking details, medical records and confidential work documents. Even details such as birth dates, travel plans and information about family members can be misused if exposed.
Depending on the platform, information shared with an AI tool may be stored, reviewed or used for model training. If that information is exposed, criminals could use it for identity theft, account takeovers or personalized scams. Before uploading documents, remove sensitive details whenever possible and review the platform’s privacy settings.
How can people tell whether an email, text or phone call is a scam when AI makes them more convincing?
Calyam: Traditional warning signs, such as spelling mistakes and poorly written messages, are becoming less reliable because AI can produce professional-looking messages and imitate familiar voices. Instead, be cautious of unexpected requests for money, personal information or verification codes, especially when a message creates a sense of urgency or demands secrecy. Avoid clicking unfamiliar links or responding directly to suspicious messages.
If something seems questionable, contact the organization through its official website or call the person using a trusted phone number.
What can people do today to better protect their personal information?
Calyam: Start by using a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords, and enable multifactor authentication on important accounts. Passkeys and hardware security keys offer additional protection against phishing attempts. Review the privacy settings of AI platforms and disable optional data sharing for model training when that option is available.
Keep devices and applications updated, avoid suspicious links and monitor financial accounts for unusual activity.
What should someone do first if they suspect an account has been compromised?
Calyam: Change the account password immediately through the official website or app and sign out of unfamiliar devices. If you reused that password on other accounts, change those passwords, too.
Secure your primary email account because attackers may use it to reset passwords for other services. If financial information is exposed, contact your bank or credit card provider. If you suspect identity theft, visit IdentityTheft.gov for recovery guidance.
This story originally appeared on Show Me Mizzou. Want more stories like this? Subscribe to the Show Me Mizzou newsletter.