AI Scams Are Getting Too Real — How to Protect Yourself

AI scams are getting scary good — and in this episode I sit down with CIO Ryan Drumheller to break down exactly how to protect yourself online in 2026. We get real about the threats hitting everyday people right now: AI-powered phishing emails that look 100% legit, voice cloning scams where criminals call just to steal your voice, deepfakes, account takeovers, and the fake "renewal charge" emails fooling thousands. Most importantly, I share the simple, no-jargon habits that actually keep you safe — including the one rule Ryan swears by: if you don't know, don't click. In this episode you'll learn: ✅ How AI is supercharging scams (and why even experts almost get fooled) ✅ Why hackers are calling just to capture your voiceprint ✅ The "verify, don't trust" rule that stops AI impersonation scams ✅ Why you NEED a password manager (only 37% of people use one!) ✅ How to help non-techy parents and seniors stay safe online Whether you're a business leader, an entrepreneur, or just someone who wants to stop worrying about scams, this one's for you. 🎧 Catch the Smarter Online Safety Show on 12 podcast platforms + right here every week. 📘 My new book Digital Self-Defense in an AI World: How to Protect Yourself Online is coming soon — stay tuned! 👤 Guest: Ryan Drumheller — fractional CIO, early AI-adoption advocate & host of the Decline Invite Podcast (Website: https://stellarhorn.com)