Garland Police Department is sounding the alarm on a new wave of fraud that leverages artificial‑intelligence (AI) to make scams look more authentic than ever. Officer Matthew Pesta explained that criminals are now creating AI‑generated emails, images, videos and even synthetic voices that mimic trusted brands such as iCloud and Coinbase.
How AI Is Being Used
According to Officer Pesta, AI chatbots can produce realistic photos, graphics and video clips, while text‑to‑speech technology can generate voices that sound “super happy and bubbly” or “very aggressive and demanding,” depending on the scammer’s goal. These tools allow fraudsters to impersonate individuals and hold convincing conversations, making it harder for victims to spot deception.
Typical Red Flags
Despite the sophisticated technology, many classic warning signs remain unchanged. Scammers often create a false sense of urgency, demand payment through unconventional methods, insist that the conversation stay secret, or claim to be law‑enforcement officials. Officer Pesta reminded residents that the FBI reported nearly $21 billion in fraud losses nationwide in 2025, underscoring the scale of the problem.
Why Prosecution Is Difficult
Many of these schemes are run by organized criminal enterprises that operate across borders, complicating law‑enforcement efforts. When perpetrators are located in another country, gathering evidence and securing arrests become far more challenging.
Police Advice for Residents
Officer Pesta emphasized a two‑step approach: verify and slow down. If an email or message pressures you to act immediately, that should be an immediate red flag. He urged residents to double‑check the sender’s address, avoid clicking suspicious links, and never share passwords or personal data without confirming the request through an official channel.
Garland Police are actively educating the community through workshops, social‑media alerts and school outreach programs. The department encourages anyone who suspects an AI‑generated scam to report it promptly, providing any suspicious emails, screenshots or voice recordings to the police.
What You Can Do
- Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown senders.
- Confirm requests for money or personal information by contacting the company or agency directly.
- Look for spelling errors, generic greetings, and urgent language.
- Report suspected scams to Garland Police at (972) 555‑1234 or via the department’s online portal.
By staying vigilant and spreading awareness, Garland residents can help curb the rise of AI‑driven fraud and protect their families and finances.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
