Is AI a threat? Yes — it is already emptying Americans’ bank accounts.

For the last few weeks, the debate on artificial intelligence and safeguards has focused on frightening questions — namely, could AI systems pose a threat to our human existence? The concerns are legitimate and have been shared by AI safety researchers and national security experts for years. But they have really gained attention after an Anthropic researcher warned about where the technology is headed upon his resignation.

These warnings of existential risks need to be taken seriously. But we need only check our text messages, social media feeds and online ads to realize that dangers from AI — namely, AI-powered frauds and scams — are already here.

While Congress debates what AI might someday do to humanity, Americans are already losing staggering amounts of money to online scams.

That is why, on Sept. 30, we joined more than 35 consumer protection, technology accountability, older adult advocacy and other civil society organizations to launch United to Stop Online Scams with a National Day of Action focused on AI and tech-enabled fraud. In partnership with the Motion Picture and Television Fund, we released a powerful PSA during a livestream featuring Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Rep. Val Foushee (D-N.C.) that drew more than 50,000 views, while hundreds of people participated in events across the country.

We are calling on Americans to urge their state and federal lawmakers to hold online platforms accountable for their role in enabling the proliferation of online scams and fraud.

The Consumer Federation of America estimates that Americans lost $148 billion to online scams and crimes in 2025. That’s more than $1,100 for every U.S. household and nearly a 26 percent increase from........

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