You usually cannot tell reliably whether a suspicious message was written by AI. Instead, judge what it asks you to do, check whether the sender and context make sense, and verify the request through a contact route you already trust. Don’t click unexpected links, open attachments, or share passwords, one-time codes, or payment details while you check.
What AI changes about phishing—and what it doesn’t
Generative AI can help scammers write fluent, personalized messages and correct errors that might once have looked suspicious. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center said in a December 3, 2024 public service announcement that AI tools “can correct for human errors that might otherwise serve as warning signs of fraud.” NIST likewise warns that AI can make phishing more convincing, while Australian government guidance notes that AI can produce flawless spelling and grammar. FBI IC3, NIST, Australian Cyber Security Centre
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That makes typos a weaker clue, not a reason to trust polished writing. A message written with AI can be legitimate, and a human-written message can be a scam. Writing style alone—and consumer AI-detection tools—cannot certify that a message is safe. Focus on whether the sender is authentic and whether the requested action is appropriate.
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Start with the requested action
Pause if an email, text, or direct message unexpectedly asks you to sign in, provide a password or one-time code, disclose sensitive information, pay or transfer money, download a file, or act before a deadline. Urgency and high-impact requests deserve independent verification. NIST specifically advises taking another look when a message asks you to click a link, download a file, transfer funds, log in, or submit sensitive information. NIST phishing guidance
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Check the sender and the context
- Was the message expected? Do you have an account or an existing relationship with the person or organization?
- Does the displayed name match the actual email address or account? A familiar name, logo, or apparent sender address is not proof of authenticity.
- Does the request fit what you know about the sender and your recent activity? Treat unexpected requests for money, credentials, or confidential information with particular care.
- If there is a link, inspect its destination without opening it. Does the address match the service you expect? A convincing-looking message or link is not enough to establish that it is genuine.
The FTC’s business guidance describes phishing that impersonates a company or colleague and pressures recipients to act. It recommends checking the sender’s actual address and link destinations; spelling and punctuation errors can be red flags, but their absence is no guarantee. FTC business phishing guidance
Verify outside the message
If the request might be real, open the company’s app or type its known website address yourself, then check your account there. For a person or organization, use a phone number or contact method you already know is genuine, or confirm through an existing conversation. Don’t rely on phone numbers, links, or reply addresses supplied in the suspicious message.
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What to do with a suspicious email, text, or direct message
- Don’t interact with it. Don’t click links, download attachments, reply with sensitive information, or use contact details in the message. The FTC advises consumers not to click links or download attachments in unexpected messages. FTC consumer phishing advice
- Verify the request independently. Use the organization’s known app or website, or a phone number from a trusted source. For workplace messages, follow your organization’s reporting process rather than investigating through the message itself.
- Report it through the right channel. Follow your employer’s procedure for business messages. Australian government guidance advises people who suspect social engineering to avoid engaging and report it promptly to their organization’s cybersecurity or IT team. Australian Cyber Security Centre
For U.S. consumers, the FTC says phishing emails can be forwarded to [email protected] and reported at ReportFraud.ftc.gov; suspicious texts can be forwarded to SPAM (7726). Reporting routes vary by location and organization. The FTC reported that email was the top method scammers used to contact people in 2024; that finding is about scam contact methods overall, not AI-generated phishing specifically. FTC consumer phishing advice, FTC 2024 contact-method data
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- You entered a password: Change it promptly, and change it anywhere else you reused it. Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) for the account.
- You shared financial or personal information: Contact the relevant bank or institution using a known number and follow the appropriate fraud or identity-theft reporting process.
- You opened a file or suspect malware: Update your security software and run a scan. At work, alert IT or security promptly and follow the incident-response procedure.
FTC consumer and business guidance recommends steps such as changing exposed credentials, using two-factor authentication, contacting relevant institutions, and responding to possible malware. FTC consumer guidance, FTC business guidance
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How organizations can reduce phishing risk
Organizations can combine staff awareness training, an easy way to report suspicious messages, and email-authentication controls. The FTC describes SPF, DKIM, and DMARC as tools receiving servers can use to check whether email claiming to come from a company’s domain is authentic. CISA’s joint phishing guidance, dated March 2025, also recommends training and email authentication. These measures help reduce spoofing and manage risk, but they do not guarantee that every phishing message will be blocked. FTC business phishing guidance, CISA joint phishing guidance
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Protect accounts separately from judging messages
MFA adds a layer of account protection, but it does not tell you whether a message was written by AI or whether a sender is genuine. CISA’s October 2025 awareness poster recommends using the most secure MFA method available and says a physical security key provides the best protection among the methods it discusses. Check that a key works with your account and devices before choosing one. CISA MFA awareness poster
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