The United States has always been full of scammers, from snake oil salesmen promising miracle cures, to stockbrokers selling Ponzi schemes. But now, swindlers and thieves have a new tool in their toolbox: AI. The FBI says cybercrimes involving AI stole nearly a billion dollars from 22,000 Americans last year. And the situation is only getting worse. On today's episode, AI has turbocharged the scam industry. So, how can we protect ourselves? GUESTS: Andrea Alegrett, an assistant the Washington Attorney General's office. Yuki Ishizuka, Technology Policy Manager, Washington Attorney General's office. Do you have a story idea for us? Give us a call at (206) 221-7158 and leave a voicemail. You can also email us at booming@kuow.org. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/boomingnotes.Booming is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Carol Smith. Our producers are Lucy Soucek and Alec Cowan. Our hosts are Joshua McNichols and Monica Nickelsburg. Support the show: https://kuow.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Rss Apple Podcaster →