AI danger has reached ‘whole new level’ – millions must follow ‘four rules’ every day to avoid bank-emptying nightmare

ARTIFICIAL intelligence is being used by crooks to part you from your cash – but there are ways to stay safe.

Security experts are warning internet users to be on high alert as criminals use AI to target their victims.

AI has plenty of great uses, from giving you cooking advice to generating funny "stickers" inside WhatsApp.

But criminals are using some AI apps for "malicious purposes", according to security giant Kaspersky.

"Now, just about anyone can create fake texts, photos, and videos in a matter of minutes — a labor that previously required a lot of time and skill," said Kaspersky's Stan Kaminsky.

"This has already had a noticeable impact on at least two areas of cybersecurity."

The first is that fake images, audio, and video can all be easily created using AI.

This allows crooks to create convincing "deepfake" scams using fake footage of high profile people to trick you – for instance, into investing in a fraudulent scheme.

Secondly, AI makes it much easier to create phishing emails that claim to be from official brands, as well as phoney social media posts and websites.

"For many years, such scams could be identified by sloppy language and numerous typos, because the scammers didn’t have the time to write and proofread them properly," Kaminsky explained.

"But now, with WormGPT and other language models optimized for hackers, attackers can create far more convincing and varied bait on an industrial scale."

Criminals can even use AI to create these scams in multiple languages.

Four rules to stay safe from AI

In an official security memo, Kaminsky revealed four rules to follow to stay safe from AI scams.

The first is to be critical of everything you see online – especially if it's "emotionally provocative".

Be extra wary if it's content from someone you don't know personally.

Make sure to verify any claims, especially if you're being promised big returns, free cash or prizes, or anything that seems too good to be true.

Secondly, make sure to never transfer money to a charity or business online without researching it extensively first.

"Remember, generating heart-breaking stories and images is literally as easy as pushing a button these days," Kaminsky said.

Third, make sure to verify unexpected calls, especially if they're alarming.

Voices can now be easily faked using AI, so even a phone call with a supposed friend could be a scam.

If a request seems odd – like an urgent demand for money – then double-check it in person, or using another method.

And if the call comes from a family member, ask for personal information from the past that only they would know, allowing you to verify their identity.

It may also be worth coming up with a safe-word for you to use with your family to make sure you're talking to the right person.

And finally, make sure to use caller-identifier apps.

These can block spam calls before they ever make it to your ears.

Here's a guide on how to block spam calls on iPhone.