AI Scams & Smart Use on Campus: What You Need to Know

AI is changing the game on campus—helping us study smarter, but also giving scammers new tricks. With tools that can clone voices, fake texts, and even create deepfake videos, it’s getting harder to know what’s real. The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert to stay safe. Just learn a few red flags, set a “safe-word” with your crew, and use AI tools the right way. 

Scammers now use AI to:

• Clone voices(they only need a few seconds of audio)
• Fake texts & emails
• Make deepfake videos that look real
  
  

They might pretend to be your roommate, professor, or parent asking for money or info.

Set a Safe-Word

A “safe-word” is a secret code only you and trusted people know.
Use it to check if a message or call is legit.

How to set it up:

1. Pick something random (not on your social).

2. Share it in person or on a secure app (like Signal).

3. Change it each semester.

4. Use it with family, friends, clubs, or study groups.

Example:
Text from “your roommate”: “Help! Locked out, need $200.”
✅ You reply: “What’s our code?”
🚫 If they can’t answer → It’s a scam.

Watch for Red Flags

If it feels off, pause & verify. Report it via the PAB or by forwarding it to phishfiles@montclair.edu. 

Use AI the Right Way

AI tools like ChatGPT are powerful—but there are rules:

DO:

• Say if you used AI in a paper or project.

• Double-check AI output for bias or errors.

• Protect private info (don’t paste grades, ID numbers, or personal data into AI tools).

• Use it to brainstorm—not to cheat.

DON’T:

• Turn in AI-written work as your own.

• Use AI to fake messages or impersonate someone.

• Overuse it just to rewrite the same thing 10 times—it uses real energy.

Quick Checklist

✅ Set up a safe-word
✅ Don’t trust calls or texts without verification
✅ Use AI honestly & safely
✅ Report sketchy stuff to IT (it-help@univ.edu or ext. 1234)
✅ Stay in the loop—follow your campus IT on social

Final Thought

AI can help you study, create, and work smarter—if you use it wisely.
Stay sharp, stay ethical, and don’t let the bots outsmart you.

Want To Know More?

Government Technology | Anatomy of a Phishing Attack: How AI Helps Cyber Criminals Rob Schools appropriate

Harvard Business Review | AI Will Increase the Quantity — and Quality — of Phishing Scams

Forbes | How Higher Education Became The Target Of Bots, Fake Accounts And Online Fraud