FBI Alerts Kansas City: Holiday Scams Soar with AI Tech

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is issuing a warning to shoppers in Kansas City about an increasing threat of scams during the holiday season. These scams are now being powered by artificial intelligence, which is enabling fraudsters to deceive more people and steal more money than ever before.

According to the FBI, in 2024 alone, over 535,000 Americans were victims of online scams, resulting in a total loss of $13.7 billion. That equates to an average of $25,700 per victim. Over the span of five years, from 2020 to 2024, the internet crimes unit reported a staggering $50.5 billion in scam-related losses across the country.

What makes this year’s holiday season particularly risky is the rapid advancement of AI technology. In just the first seven months of 2025, there were over 9,000 complaints related to AI-powered scams. This represents a significant increase compared to previous years, as scammers are leveraging these tools to create more sophisticated and convincing fraud schemes.

The FBI has identified several key tactics used by scammers:

• Fake social media profiles: Scammers use AI to generate realistic profiles that mimic real people or businesses.
• Voice cloning: They can replicate someone's voice to trick individuals into believing they are speaking with a loved one or a trusted contact.
• Forged identification documents: AI is being used to create fake IDs that can be used for various fraudulent purposes.
• Deepfake videos: These are videos that manipulate footage to make it appear as if a public figure or someone you know is saying or doing something they never actually did.

During the holiday shopping season, the FBI has noted that certain types of scams are especially common:

• Non-delivery scams: Victims pay for an item that never arrives.
• Non-payment scams: Sellers ship goods but never receive payment.
• Gift card fraud: Scammers ask for payment via prepaid gift cards.
• Romance schemes: Fraudsters build fake relationships to gain trust and then request money.

The bureau warns that scammers often create a sense of urgency or excitement to pressure victims into acting quickly. They utilize all available communication channels, including social media, email, text messages, phone calls, and even fake websites.

To protect yourself from these scams, the FBI recommends the following steps:

Verify Before You Buy

• Research the seller before making any purchase.
• Check online reviews and ratings.
• Ensure the website URL is legitimate and secure. Look for "https" in the web address.
• Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.

Practice Good Cyber Hygiene

• Do not click on suspicious links or attachments in emails or text messages.
• Be careful if a company asks you to update your password or account information.
• Look up the company’s phone number independently and call them directly to verify requests.

Pay Safely

• Never pay with prepaid gift cards. Legitimate businesses will not ask for gift card numbers and PINs.
• Monitor your transaction history regularly.
• Report disputed charges immediately to your financial institution or credit card company.

Stay Skeptical

• Do not rely solely on caller ID. Scammers can fake phone numbers.
• Verify the identity of anyone requesting money or personal information, even if they claim to be a family member or authority figure.
• Remember that government agencies like the IRS or Social Security Administration will never demand immediate payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency.

If you believe you have been targeted or victimized by a scam, the FBI advises taking the following steps:

• Report it to the FBI HERE.
• Contact your financial institution immediately to dispute fraudulent charges.
• Gather documentation, including:
• Identifying information about the person or company that contacted you.
• Methods of communication used—websites, emails, or phone numbers.
• Financial transaction details—dates, amounts, and account numbers.
• A description of your interaction with the fraudster.

The FBI emphasizes that reporting scams—even if no money was lost—helps law enforcement track trends and potentially stop scammers from targeting others.

As Kansas City residents prepare for the holiday season, the FBI urges everyone to slow down, verify before clicking, and trust their instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.