Scam red flags

Sometimes people online try to trick you into giving away money or personal information. AI is making those tricks harder to spot than ever.

These people are known as Scammers and they use AI to create fake but convincing emails, texts and messages (scams) personalised to you.

Red flags are clues that AI-generated content is not real. Red flags to watch for include:

• Urgent requests for money, gift cards or personal details, even from someone familiar
• You're asked to keep the conversation secret from parents or teachers
• An offer or prize that sounds too good to be true
• You feel unusually emotional. Scammers use AI to trigger fear, excitement or sympathy on purpose

What should you do if you think you're being scammed?

• Slow down. Scams are designed to make you act fast before you think
• Verify through a different channel. If a "family member" calls asking for help, hang up and call them directly
• Tell a trusted adult. You won't get in trouble for being cautious
• Report it. In Australia, scams can be reported to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au