safety
AI scams in Georgia and South Florida: How scammers use deepfakes to steal millions
By Zachary Bynum at CBS4 Miami
· July 17, 2026
· 4 min read
Artificial intelligence is no longer just helping people write emails or generate images. Investigators say it's also helping scammers steal money by making fake voices, photos and phone calls look and sound frighteningly real.For one South Florida immigration attorney, that meant discovering crimin
Key takeaway According to the FBI's 2025 Internet Crime Report, Americans reported nearly $893 million in AI-enabled scam losses last year as criminals increasingly turned to artificial intelligence to impersonate trusted people and manipulate victims.
Why this matters in The Miami
The growing trend of AI-enabled scams poses a significant threat to Miami 's diverse communities, particularly its large Latin American and Caribbean populations. These groups may be more vulnerable to scams that exploit trust in family and social networks. In neighborhoods like Little Havana and Wynwood, where community ties are strong, scammers may use AI to impersonate relatives or friends, making it harder for residents to distinguish legitimate requests from fraudulent ones. As the city's residents become increasingly reliant on digital communication, the risk of falling victim to AI-powered scams will only continue to rise. Miami-Dade County officials and law enforcement agencies must prioritize education and outreach efforts to inform residents about these emerging threats and provide them with the tools to protect themselves. By doing so, they can help prevent the financial and emotional devastation that these scams can cause.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Artificial intelligence is no longer just helping people write emails or generate images. Investigators say it's also helping scammers steal money by making fake voices, photos and phone calls look and sound frighteningly real.For one South Florida immigration attorney, that meant discovering crimin
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Zachary Bynum at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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