The FBI has reported a significant rise in online scams fueled by artificial intelligence, marking the first time the bureau has tracked AI-related complaints in its national internet crime report. In 2025, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) recorded over 22,000 AI-related complaints nationwide, resulting in nearly $900 million in losses for victims. In Alabama alone, there were 57 reported AI-related scams, costing residents more than $6 million, according to the IC3 report.
AI-Driven Scams on the Rise
The FBI’s findings indicate that the most prevalent AI-related scams include investment fraud, extortion, and phishing. Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Birmingham office, Dave Fitzgibbons, emphasized the unprecedented speed and sophistication with which criminals are leveraging AI technologies. “Criminals are using it at the speed and sophistication like we’ve really never seen before,” he stated, highlighting the urgent need for public awareness and vigilance.
FBI’s Response and Public Awareness
In response to the growing threat, the FBI is enhancing its resources and staffing to combat AI-related cybercrime. Fitzgibbons urged the public to exercise caution, advising individuals to verify any suspicious communications by contacting their banks directly rather than clicking on links in emails or text messages. “That’s the best way to verify if you owe something or if there’s potentially fraud in your account,” he said.
The FBI has categorized AI as one of the fastest-growing cyber threats and is mobilizing its National Fraud Task Force to address the increasing incidence of fraud, particularly targeting vulnerable populations. Fitzgibbons noted, “As this grows, and as superintelligence grows, we are surging resources to make sure we are ahead of the threat to protect the community.”
Reporting AI-Related Crimes
Individuals who encounter AI-related scams or other cybersecurity issues are encouraged to report them through the FBI’s IC3 portal, which receives nearly 3,000 complaints daily. The FBI advises the public to “Take a Beat” to identify potential red flags before acting on any suspicious requests for money or personal information. Victims are encouraged to document details such as the scammer’s name, contact methods, and payment information to assist in investigations.
As AI continues to evolve, the FBI’s proactive measures aim to mitigate the risks associated with these emerging threats, underscoring the importance of public awareness and vigilance in the face of increasingly sophisticated cybercrime tactics.
For further details, see the original report from WBRC.
