The FBI is sounding the alarm on a disturbing rise in sophisticated scams, many powered by artificial intelligence, that are costing Arkansans millions of dollars. According to officials, scammers are increasingly using realistic audio and video content to manipulate victims into handing over money — sometimes under duress.
A recent viral TikTok video, viewed more than 2.2 million times, underscored the growing threat. In the video, a family shared their terrifying experience of receiving a call in which a scammer claimed to have kidnapped a loved one and threatened to shoot them unless money was immediately transferred via Zelle.
“This is not just about financial loss — it’s psychological trauma,” said Alicia Corder, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Little Rock Field Office. “We’ve seen people lose their life savings as a result of these efforts, and it’s obviously devastating.”
According to the FBI, more than 4,000 Arkansas residents reported being scammed in 2024, leading to over $50 million in losses. Among the most prevalent schemes are cryptocurrency investment frauds, particularly targeting individuals aged 60 and older.
“This is a scheme where scammers are building a relationship with the person — building trust, building up their confidence — and then exploiting that trust through manipulation and a ‘too-good-to-be-true’ crypto investment,” Corder explained.
The use of artificial intelligence has made these scams even more dangerous. Criminals are now able to generate lifelike videos and voice recordings, making it difficult for victims to distinguish reality from fiction.
Corder emphasized the importance of verifying identities before sending money to anyone — whether it’s via phone, email, or text.
“Do everything you can to verify that the person you’re talking to is legitimate and that the money they’re requesting is for a valid reason,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of good cyber hygiene, including safeguarding personal information, using strong passwords, and being wary of unsolicited messages or phone calls.
Although many scammers operate overseas, Corder said that quick action can sometimes lead to the recovery of stolen funds.
“Reporting the crime within 72 hours significantly increases the chances of recovering your money,” she said. “Law enforcement does everything they can to make victims whole and hold scammers accountable, but prevention is the name of the game.”
The FBI urges anyone who believes they’ve been targeted or defrauded to report the incident immediately to local law enforcement and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.
