FBI tracks AI-driven fraud as North Carolinians lose millions

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has officially changed how it categorizes cybercrime, adding artificial intelligence as a distinct tool used by offenders. This shift marks the first time the agency has carved out AI from the general pool of internet crimes in its public reporting. The change highlights a growing concern that criminals are increasingly leveraging advanced technology to execute sophisticated fraud schemes.

According to data reported by GN technics/ai (en-US), North Carolina residents lost approximately $15.6 million to AI-related internet crimes in 2025. While this figure is substantial, it is part of a much larger national trend. The FBI received over 22,000 complaints nationwide involving AI tools, resulting in victim losses exceeding $890 million. This data underscores the scale of the threat posed by rapidly evolving digital capabilities.

New categories reveal rising risks

By listing AI as a specific descriptor, the FBI is signaling that this technology is no longer just a background element but a primary vector for fraud. Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis of the FBI Charlotte office explained that this distinct category allows for better resource allocation and focused investigation. The agency notes that as AI tools become cheaper and more widely available, their misuse by criminal actors has grown significantly.

This methodological change mirrors how the FBI previously added cryptocurrency to its reporting in 2022. In both cases, the agency is responding to the fact that these technologies have become standard tools in the digital ecosystem. However, unlike legitimate uses, the criminal application of AI requires specific monitoring to identify patterns and protect consumers from emerging threats.

Scammers exploit new digital tools

Investment scams represent the largest category of loss, with over $600 million lost nationally in 2025. Criminals are using AI to generate thousands of unique conversations, making each interaction appear personalized and trustworthy. This automation allows scammers to target a wide audience with high-efficiency, low-cost operations that were previously impossible to sustain manually.

Beyond investments, AI is being integrated into traditional crimes such as business email compromise and romance scams. Chat generators can now produce emails that mimic the tone and style of a company CEO, making fraudulent requests for funds more convincing. In employment contexts, voice spoofing and deepfakes are being used to manipulate online interviews, blurring the line between genuine and synthetic identities.

Spotting manipulated media signals

Many AI-driven scams rely on manipulated media, such as photos, audio, or video. Experts advise users to look for subtle inconsistencies that indicate artificial generation. These can include visual distortions, unnatural movements, or poor quality lighting and audio. Unsettling silences in video calls or strange warping in facial features are common red flags that suggest the media has been synthetically created.

Awareness of these technical artifacts is crucial for individuals and businesses alike. As the technology becomes more refined, the gaps between real and fake media will narrow, making vigilance even more important. The FBI’s new reporting category serves as a reminder that while AI offers many benefits, it also presents significant security challenges that require proactive defense strategies.