Survey: Americans More Worried About Online & AI Scams

Overview

• Increased concern among Americans about online scams, particularly during the holiday season.
• AI's role in enhancing scam sophistication is a significant factor.

Key Findings

• 86% of Americans are concerned about holiday scams.
  • Only 14% are not worried.
• 87% are worried that AI is aiding scammers.
• 55% believe scams are worsening compared to last year.
• 5% feel less concerned than the previous year.
• Women, Southerners, and those with some college education show higher levels of concern.

Detailed Insights

General Concerns About Online Scams

• 61% have experienced personal data breaches.
• Gender differences:
  • Men are 42% more likely to not be concerned compared to women.
  • Women are 14% more worried than men.

AI's Impact on Scams

• 44% are very concerned about AI-fueled scams.
• 43% are somewhat concerned.
• AI scams include realistic product images, fake payment portals, and email scams.
• Educational differences:
  • Individuals with some college education or higher are more worried.

Worsening Scams, Hacks, and Data Breaches

• 51% report increased concern this year compared to last.
• Geographic variation:
  • Southerners are 24% more worried, compared to 14% of Midwesterners.
  • Northeasterners are least likely to report decreased concern.

Implications

• AI-driven scams are a growing threat.
• Cultural and educational factors influence how much people worry.
• Need for increased vigilance and security measures, especially during high-risk periods like holidays.

Methodology

• Conducted by Pollfish with 1,200 American respondents.
• Reflects U.S. demographics including state residence, sex, race, income, and age.

Conclusion

• There is a significant increase in concern about scams, particularly those using AI.
• Protecting personal and financial information is increasingly crucial.