US Postal Service Warns of AI-Powered Scams
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is warning consumers that criminals are using artificial intelligence to make traditional scams seem more realistic. The alert, issued for National Consumer Protection Week, highlights how AI can enhance the believability of phishing attempts, impersonation schemes, and other fraudulent activities.
AI-powered fraud has surged, with attacks increasing 1,210% in the last year, now outpacing traditional methods. These scams contribute to staggering losses, with projections suggesting AI-facilitated fraud could reach $40 billion by 2027. One in four U.S. companies reported losses in the six figures due to these advanced scams. Voice cloning has become a primary attack method, with scammers needing as little as three seconds of audio to create a convincing replica of someone's voice. One in four adults has reported experiencing an AI voice scam. These "vishing" (voice phishing) attacks are a key part of impersonation schemes, where a scammer might pose as a family member in distress to urgently request money. Deepfake video technology is also being deployed, with incidents surging by 700% in 2025. In one high-profile case, a finance worker was tricked into transferring $25.6 million after a video conference call with what appeared to be his CFO and other senior staff, who were all AI-generated deepfakes. These AI tools allow criminals to craft highly personalized and grammatically perfect phishing emails and texts, making them significantly harder to detect. Scams often start online or via text but frequently involve the U.S. Mail for the final step of sending money, which is why the Postal Inspection Service is involved. A common tactic is the "package delivery" text message, which may include a fake tracking number and a link to a fraudulent site designed to steal personal and financial information. The USPS has clarified that it will never text customers to ask for payment for package delivery. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service warns consumers to be wary of messages that create a sense of urgency, as this is a primary tactic for scammers. Red flags of an AI-driven scam include a "person" with a minimal social media presence, inconsistencies in audio or video, and requests to move communication to a different platform like WhatsApp or Telegram. While scammers are leveraging AI, the Postal Inspection Service is also using the technology to help identify suspects and monitor illicit websites. If you believe you've been a victim of a scam involving the mail, you can report it to the Postal Inspectors at uspis.gov/report.
