Online identity has always been easy to fake.
AI simply makes the fakes more convincing.
The FBI's 2026 reporting described fraud involving AI-generated voices, images, videos and fake profiles.
That means users should stop treating a profile picture or video call as definitive proof of identity.
The safest approach is layered verification.
Look at the account's history. Verify important claims independently. Be especially cautious when a new online relationship quickly becomes a request for money, cryptocurrency, investment or sensitive information.
A convincing digital identity is still only a digital identity.
When money or important personal information is involved, verify the person outside the channel where you met them.