With the surge in AI-enabled scams, Microsoft has stepped up its fraud-fighting efforts by deploying large-scale detection models powered by machine learning and related AI techniques. Over the past year, Microsoft reports that it has prevented US $4 billion in attempted fraud, and blocked roughly 1.6 million bot signup attempts every hour.
AI has dramatically lowered the barrier to entry for scammers. Even attackers with limited technical skills can now launch highly sophisticated scams quickly—everything from deepfake-driven phishing efforts to entirely fake websites that imitate legitimate businesses.
“AI-assisted scams are on the rise; over the past year alone, Microsoft has thwarted US $4 billion in fraud attempts.”
Tips for Online Shoppers:
Don’t be fooled by urgency: Be wary of offers with “limited-time” countdowns designed to rush you.
Only click on ads from verified sources: Many scam sites use AI-optimised social-media adverts—check the domain, reviews and credibility.
Be skeptical of social proof: AI-generated reviews, endorsements and testimonials may be fabricated to build your trust.
Tips for Job Seekers:
Don’t share personal or financial information: Unsolicited job messages offering high pay with little experience are often fraudulent.
Don’t pay for job opportunities: Legitimate employers don’t ask you to pay upfront.
Use official channels: Genuine hiring usually happens via formal company platforms or verified emails, not random WhatsApp or SMS conversations.
Microsoft’s New Protective Features:
Typo- and domain-impersonation protection: In its browser Microsoft Edge, Microsoft uses deep-learning to help users avoid fraudulent websites that mimic real domains.
Digital Fingerprinting: Microsoft uses advanced tools to detect malicious behaviour and tie it to specific individuals to prevent account takeover.
Blocking full-control requests: The remote-assistance tool Windows Quick Assist now includes warnings and requires users to acknowledge the security implication of allowing someone full access.
These measures form part of Microsoft’s ongoing initiative to shield consumers from increasingly sophisticated AI-enabled scam threats.
