AI scam protection for families, small businesses and larger companies

AI scam protection for families

For households, the most common AI threats are personal: a voice clone "family emergency" call, a fake bank or delivery text, or an account takeover that starts with a phishing email. Older relatives are frequent targets because scammers count on love and urgency. Three habits cover most of it: a family safe word, a rule that nobody sends money because of one phone call, and multi-factor authentication on email and banking. If you have home or renter's insurance, ask whether a personal cyber add-on is available.

Small businesses and solo pros

Small businesses are prime targets because they move real money, keep customer data, and rarely have IT staff. The scams follow how each kind of business gets paid:

Salons, barbers and beauty pros

Booking apps and client lists hold names, phone numbers and sometimes card details. Watch for fake "booking platform" login emails, and turn on MFA for your booking and payment accounts.

Tattoo studios

Deposits often come through payment apps and DMs, which makes studios a target for fake payment screenshots, impersonated clients and hijacked social accounts. Protect your Instagram and email with MFA, confirm deposits in your payment app itself, and keep client forms backed up.

Caterers, event and hospitality businesses

Large deposits and vendor payments make caterers a natural target for fake invoices and "we changed banks" emails. A call-back rule on any payment change is the single most valuable habit. See deepfake payment fraud.

Online sellers and creators

Your store, marketplace and social accounts are the business. Phishing that steals one login can mean lost payouts and a hijacked audience. Use a password manager, MFA everywhere, and be wary of "brand deal" and "policy violation" emails.

Freelancers and consultants

You hold client files and get paid by invoice. Expect fake invoices sent in your name, client impersonation, and ransomware threats against client data. Back up with the 3-2-1 rule and confirm any new payment instructions by phone.

Corporations and larger businesses

Companies with finance teams, multiple locations or large customer databases face the same tricks at a bigger scale: deepfake executives on video calls, vendor-payment fraud, ransomware and data breaches. Written payment-verification procedures, dual approval, staff training and a tested incident plan matter most. Larger insurance programs usually run through a specialist broker with higher limits. Talk to us and we'll point you the right way.

Whatever your size, start with the free AI Scam Readiness Checklist. It takes minutes.