How to Not Fall for AI Medical Scams

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping healthcare, and scammers are taking full advantage. AI medical scams now use fake doctor videos, cloned voices, and bogus telehealth sites to look and sound real, luring people into sharing money or medical information.

“The risks are real financially, medically, and emotionally. Victims can lose money, have their health or insurance data stolen, or even take harmful or useless treatments,” says Peter Horadan, CEO of Vouched, a company that builds identity-verification tools for healthcare companies, based in Henderson, Nevada. “On a bigger level, these scams erode trust in healthcare providers and digital platforms that people rely on.”

That growing threat makes it more important than ever to know what these scams look like and how to protect yourself. Here’s how to recognize and avoid the most common AI scams in healthcare.

Taking a moment to verify the source — and asking a trusted healthcare provider — can prevent costly mistakes, says Karnik.

• Pressure to act immediately or keep it secret
• Requests for personal, medical, or payment information
• Offers of “miracle” results or prescription-free drugs
• Unusual payment methods (gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfer)
• Slightly distorted or unnatural-looking videos
• Videos or voices with strange word choices or unnatural tone or cadence
• Spelling errors
• Slight variations in logos

If a site or chatbot asks for sensitive information before verifying your identity, stop and contact your provider directly, adds Karnik. Legitimate clinics and pharmacies will never request personal data through unsecured channels or social media messages, he says.

Before believing any medical claim — especially one that comes through social media, text, or email — take a moment to confirm the source, says Karnik. Many AI medical scams look professional and trustworthy, borrowing logos, names, and even the likeness of real doctors to make fake information seem legitimate, he adds.

AI can make fake endorsements seem legit when they are not. “Scammers now use AI to create content that looks completely legitimate, from fake ads and pharmacy websites to deepfake videos of doctors,” says Karnik.

If you see a doctor or celebrity promoting a product online, confirm the endorsement on their verified site or social accounts. Karnik also advises being cautious of claims for “miracle” results or quick fixes — both hallmarks of AI deceptive medical practices.

Fake online pharmacies are a common form of AI healthcare fraud. Scammers use AI-generated logos, testimonials, and “FDA-approved” badges to mimic real sites and sell counterfeit or nonexistent drugs, according to Karnik.

“We’ve seen this especially around weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy,” he says. “Scammers continue to exploit interest in these drugs by creating fake online stores, generating professional-looking images, and even cloning doctor voices to sell counterfeit or nonexistent products.”

Scammers now use AI to build convincing telehealth or insurance websites that look real but exist only to collect data, says Horadan.

Before booking an appointment or entering your details, verify that the web address matches your provider’s official domain, Horadan adds. He also recommends avoiding links shared through social media or email and searching for reviews or alerts about the service before engaging.

Not every health chatbot has your best interests in mind. Some are built to steal your personal or payment data, says Horadan.

“Be cautious of medical advice or product recommendations from unverified sources, even if the content looks professional or comes from an AI chatbot,” Karnik adds. “There have been reports of people getting sick after following unsafe health advice generated by [AI].”

Always double-check health information with reputable sources, like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), or your healthcare provider, before taking action.

If you spot a suspicious medical ad, chatbot, or telehealth site, stop interacting immediately and avoid sharing any more information, says Karnik. Take screenshots or notes about what you saw — they can help investigators later.

Report the scam and where you encountered it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, says Horadan. If the scam uses a real doctor’s name or likeness, alert that provider’s office so they can warn others, he adds.

If you shared financial details, Karnik says to contact your bank or credit card company immediately to block charges. If you entered personal or insurance information, visit IdentityTheft.gov to create a recovery plan and place a fraud alert with credit bureaus, he adds.

“Acting quickly helps limit both health and financial harm,” says Karnik. “The sooner you report and secure your accounts, the less damage these scams can do.”

• AI medical scams are becoming more sophisticated, using deepfakes, fake websites, and chatbots to mimic real healthcare providers and collect personal data. Stay alert to these evolving tactics.
• Always verify medical information and online pharmacies through trusted sources, like your state medical board or the FDA’s BeSafeRx, before engaging or making a purchase.
• Never share sensitive information or send payment through insecure channels. If you suspect a scam, report it to ReportFraud.ftc.gov and secure your accounts immediately.
• It’s important to approach AI health tools with caution. Before acting on medical advice from such a tool, confirm the source and check in with your doctor to protect your privacy, finances, and health.