Authored by: Sarah Carney
What if the warning signs we've always relied on to spot a scam are no longer enough?
A polished website, professional-looking email, familiar logo, or even a recognisable face or voice.
Artificial intelligence is making it easier for scammers to create all these things and combine them in ways that manufacture trust and make scams feel increasingly legitimate.
As someone who works with AI every day, I'm excited by its potential to improve experiences for members and make everyday tasks easier.
That’s why this Scam Awareness Week, I think we need to rethink how we establish trust online.
Scammers can now use AI to create convincing websites, fake reviews, videos and endorsements that work together to manufacture trust at scale. And that’s particularly concerning when it comes to keeping your money safe.
Investment scams are already costing Australians more than any other type of scam, with Scamwatch reporting $837.7 million lost in 2025. ASIC has also warned that scammers are using AI to create vast networks of fake websites and endorsements designed to make fraudulent investment opportunities appear legitimate. A simple Google search is sometimes no longer enough to tell what’s real.
For many Australians, superannuation is one of the largest financial assets they own, which makes it an attractive target for scammers. Protecting it means looking beyond appearances and taking the time to independently verify who you're dealing with before you act.
Here are five practical ways you can help protect your super against AI scams:
1. Don't mistake familiarity for legitimacy
Scammers are increasingly using AI to create polished emails, text messages and websites that closely mimic trusted brands and organisations.
What to do: If you're contacted about your super, don't rely on appearances alone. Verify the request by contacting your fund directly through its official website, app or contact centre before taking any action.
2. Be aware of messages designed to create panic
Scammers know people are more likely to make mistakes when they're worried. AI is making it easier to create personalised messages claiming your account has been compromised, a withdrawal request has been made, or immediate action is required.
What to do: Pause before responding. Legitimate organisations will provide ways for you to independently verify information rather than pressure you into acting immediately.
3. Be sceptical of anyone offering shortcuts to your super
Whether it's early access to super, guaranteed investment returns or exclusive investment opportunities, scammers often prey on people's desire to improve their financial situation.
What to do: Be sceptical of anyone promising quick gains, special access or ways around the rules. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
4. Protect the accounts that protect your money
Your email account and mobile phone can act as the gateway to your financial accounts. If scammers gain access to either, they may be able to reset passwords and access sensitive information.
What to do: Use strong, unique passwords, enable multi-factor authentication and never share your login credentials. These simple steps can make it significantly harder for criminals to gain access.
5. Check your super account regularly
Many Australians check their bank account every day but rarely look at their super account. Regular monitoring can help you identify suspicious activity sooner.
What to do: Make checking your super part of your regular financial routine by implementing simple steps like downloading your super fund’s mobile app. Keeping your details up to date and monitoring account activity can help you spot potential issues sooner.
AI is also helping organisations fight back
While AI is making scams more sophisticated, it's also helping organisations identify and disrupt them.
Banks, telecommunications providers, government agencies and super funds are increasingly using technology to detect suspicious activity, identify fraudulent behaviour and block scam communications before they reach consumers.
That's an important reminder that Australians aren't facing this challenge alone. As technology evolves, so too do the tools being used to detect and prevent scams.
However, technology isn't a silver bullet. The most effective defence remains a combination of strong protections and informed consumers who take a moment to stop, check and verify before acting.
Scam Awareness Week is a good reminder to stay vigilant about your personal and financial information, and to make checking your super part of your regular financial routine.
If you think you've encountered a scam, report it to your financial institution or super fund and alert the relevant authorities. Every report contributes to a broader effort to identify scam trends, disrupt criminal activity and help prevent others from being targeted.
Want to learn more about protecting your super from scams?
Visit AustralianSuper’s Super scam alerts page for the latest scam alerts, tips on how to protect yourself and what to do if you think you’ve been targeted.