Staying Safe in the Age of AI Scams: What Hawaii Residents Need to Know

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the world — from how we communicate and shop to how we work and stay entertained. But as this technology grows more powerful, so do the ways scammers misuse it. Across Hawaii and beyond, cybercriminals are taking advantage of AI tools to trick, steal, and deceive unsuspecting individuals.

This guide will help you understand how AI scams work, how to recognize them, and the best ways to protect yourself and your ʻohana (family) online.

What Is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to technology that can perform tasks once thought to require human intelligence. Many people use AI every day without realizing it. Common examples include:

• Autocorrect and voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant

• Facial recognition used to unlock phones or tag friends in photos

• Chatbots that help answer customer service questions

• Search and recommendation tools on YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon

• Photo and video editing apps that enhance images or generate filters

• AI tools that can write text, create art, or generate music

AI can make life more convenient — but when used maliciously, it can also create new dangers

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How Scammers Use AI

AI has become a favorite tool for modern scammers. These criminals use it to create fake identities, impersonate trusted individuals, and spread misinformation. Here’s how they do it:

• Voice cloning: Replicating someone’s real voice to trick family or coworkers into sending money or sensitive data.

• Identity theft: Stealing personal photos and information to create fake accounts.

• Deepfakes: Using AI to generate fake videos or images that appear real.

• Fake news: Creating or spreading false information to mislead or manipulate.

• Cyberattacks: Using AI to automate phishing scams or launch large-scale digital attacks

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In a place as close-knit as Hawaii, where trust and relationships are highly valued, these scams can be particularly harmful.

Beware of AI Investment Scams

AI scams don’t stop at fake voices or videos — they also target wallets. Fraudsters often claim to have “AI-powered investment platforms” that promise big profits with little risk. In reality, these are often Ponzi schemes or fake businesses.

Watch out for these red flags:

• Promises of guaranteed or extremely high returns
• Involvement with cryptocurrency or “AI trading bots”
• Ads that appear on social media but have no legitimate business behind them
• Recruitment-style programs that pay you for referring others

If an offer sounds too good to be true — especially when it claims to involve “AI investing” — it almost always is.

How to Spot AI in Scams

AI-generated content can be tricky to identify, but there are clues if you look closely.

In Text:

• Odd grammar, typos, or formatting
• Repeated words or phrases
• Robotic or unnatural tone

In Photos:

• Asymmetrical or blurry features
• Overly smooth or shiny skin
• Strange background distortions

In Videos:

• Inconsistent lighting or shadows
• Awkward movements or facial expressions
• Audio that doesn’t sync with lip movements

When in doubt, take a moment to verify before reacting — especially if the message involves money or personal information.

How to Protect Yourself from AI Scams

While AI scams are becoming more sophisticated, there are practical steps Hawaii residents can take to stay safe:

1. Turn on two-factor authentication for all major accounts.
2. Change your passwords regularly and use unique ones for different sites.
3. Avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails, texts, or DMs.
4. Limit personal details shared on social media — scammers can use them for impersonation.
5. Create a secret passphrase with family members to confirm real emergencies.
6. Delete old accounts that you no longer use.
7. Do your own research before investing or signing up for new services.
8. Talk to someone you trust if something feels off before making financial or personal decisions.

Keeping the Aloha Spirit Safe Online

In Hawaii, where relationships and trust are part of everyday life, falling for a scam can feel deeply personal. But with awareness and caution, we can protect our communities from digital harm.

By staying informed about AI scams, double-checking suspicious messages, and looking out for one another, Hawaii residents can help keep the Aloha Spirit strong — both online and offline.