Beware: AI Extortion Scams Targeting Gen Z
Published on: October 21, 2025
The digital landscape is evolving fast, and unfortunately so are the scams. According to a recent report by Malwarebytes, extortion-style scams are rapidly increasing, with younger users disproportionately targeted, thanks in large part to sophisticated new tactics powered by artificial intelligence (Malwarebytes, 2025).
The rise of AI-powered scams
Here are the key take-aways from the article by Malwarebytes:
The article states that “one in three mobile users has been targeted by an extortion scam, and nearly one in five has fallen victim.” Among Gen Z specifically, “more than half (58%) have been targets, and over 1 in 4 (28%) have been a victim.”
Extortion scams today include threats like leaking nude photos/videos (sextortion), claims of virtual kidnapping or accidents, deepfakes, or cloned voices, all made far more plausible by AI.
The risk is especially high among Gen Z and Millennials: victims skew younger (69% of victims are Gen Z or Millennial) and tend to be mobile-first users who are comfortable sharing more personal data, giving scammers more fodder.
The emotional and reputational impact is serious: Nearly 9 in 10 extortion victims reported emotional harm. 35% experienced blackmail or harassment, 21% had damage to their reputation, and 19% faced work or school consequences.
AI is making things worse: Fake videos, voice clones, and “virtual kidnapping” scripts are increasingly used. AI technology is fueling scams like fake kidnappings, sextortion, and cloned voice calls that mimic loved ones in distress. Among Gen Z users, 43% have been targeted by one of these AI‐driven scams.
The report recommends the “STOP” framework for how to respond when you feel pressure from a scam: Slow down, Test them, Opt out, Prove it.
In short: This isn’t your grandfather’s phishing scam. The intersection of mobile-first behavior, high data exposure, and AI-enabled manipulation is creating a perfect storm, especially for younger users who may feel invincible but are increasingly vulnerable.
How Real One helps you stay safe
At Real One, we understand that in today’s world, protection isn’t just about offering products, it is about offering real-people support, rapid response, and a partner you can trust. Here is how we stand by our members against threats like these:
Proactive Protection & Education: We believe in staying ahead of the curve. We invest in tools, partnerships and education so our members know what to look out for, how to recognize rising threats (like AI-driven extortion) and what proactive steps to take. By raising awareness of tactics like deepfakes, mobile extortion, and voice-cloned threats, we help our community reduce risk before damage happens.
Real Human Help When You Need It: At Real One, we’re on a mission to bring humanity back to banking…What sets us apart is our blend of cutting-edge technology and genuine human connection…That’s why, alongside digital convenience, we provide access to real people who offer authentic support, expert advice, and heartfelt care. When a member calls Real One, they’re connected with a real, compassionate financial expert human immediately, not a “press 1 for help” carousel or an automated chatbot. You deserve to talk with someone who understands the risks, cares about your safety and will walk alongside you.
Recovery & Resolution if It Happens: Even with the best defenses, no one is completely immune. That’s why if a scam does strike, especially one of these high-impact extortion/ AI threats, Real One doesn’t stop at prevention. We help our members recover and gain their confidence back in stressful situations like scams or fraud attempts. That means guiding you through next steps, coordinating with your card issuer or fraud department, helping secure accounts, restoring peace of mind, and offering support until you’re back on solid ground.
We’re Always Here for You: Our mission is to serve members across Western Colorado, rooted in community, servicing digitally, but backed by heart. From online tools and personal phone support, to recovery assistance, we provide an experience that puts you first. Whether it’s a question about suspicious activity or a call for reassurance, we’re here 100% of the time. Our promise: when you reach out to Real One, you’ll connect with a real human who genuinely cares about your safety and well-being. You don’t just join a financial institution when you join Real One. You join a team that’s looking out for you.
Final Thoughts
In a world where scams grow smarter, the stakes are higher than ever, especially for younger, mobile-first users who may think “it couldn’t happen to me.” But it can. And when it does, the consequences are emotional, reputational, financial, and long-lasting. That’s why choosing a partner like Real One matters. We don’t just welcome you as a member. We promise to stand beside you, with expert guidance, real-human support and a full suite of protection to help prevent, respond, and recover after any incident.
If you ever feel pressured, uncertain, or suspect something doesn’t look right, feel free to call us. We will help you verify what’s real, stay safe, and recover if needed. By staying informed, thinking critically, and partnering with a financial institution that truly cares, you can protect yourself and those you love. Learn more about our mission and member support here.