Criminals Using AI to Manipulate Teenagers into Crime Schemes

Experts from Russia's major telecom company warn that scammers are increasingly using AI technologies to manipulate children and teenagers into criminal activities as the school year begins. New threats include deepfake videos created from social media photos and voices, fake educational apps that spy through cameras and microphones, and schemes that recruit minors to generate illegal content using AI tools.

How AI-Based Fraud Against Teenagers Works

Since the latter half of 2026, traditional fraud methods have been supplemented by sophisticated AI-powered threats targeting minors.

Primary Scam Techniques

Deepfakes for Blackmail and Extortion Criminals steal photos and voice recordings from social media, then use AI neural networks to create realistic videos or audio messages impersonating friends, family members, or celebrities. These deepfakes are then used for extortion and blackmail.

Fake Mobile Applications Scammers distribute counterfeit apps disguised as educational platforms or gaming services. These applications steal personal data and gain access to device cameras and microphones, effectively turning a teenager's phone into a surveillance tool.

AI-Generated Content for Criminal Purposes In group chats and messaging platforms, strangers offer teenagers "easy money" to generate images, texts, or audio using AI tools. What appears to be an innocent request can later be used for creating fake news, phishing campaigns, or fraudulent materials—yet the minor creator bears full legal liability.

Why Teenagers Are Vulnerable

Teenagers who grew up with digital devices excel at using technology but lack resistance to emerging AI-based threats. Security expert Marina Koprusova explains:

Cybercriminals previously relied on social engineering; they now actively employ neural networks
When a teenager sees a video where a trusted person—friend, family member, or popular blogger—requests an action, their critical thinking ability is instantly disabled
Technology students are especially at risk, viewing AI as a harmless tool for quick earnings while not realizing that taking orders from strangers may constitute complicity in cybercrime preparation

Critically, criminal liability in Russia begins at age 14, regardless of whether the teenager acted willingly or under pressure.

The Digital Literacy Gap

Teenagers spend hours in gaming and messaging platforms, but these spaces lack quality, age-appropriate content explaining how fraud schemes work and their consequences.

As AI tools become more accessible, a dangerous gap widens:

Young users skillfully generate images and voice messages
Yet many don't realize that creating such content at others' request can constitute aiding and abetting crime
A single created deepfake can result in criminal prosecution

Detection and Prevention

Warning Signs of AI-Based Fraud:

Sudden contact from friends or family with unusual requests via video or audio message (verify through another communication channel)
Offers of easy money for "simple creative tasks" using AI tools
Requests to generate images, texts, or audio from unknown individuals
Suspicious apps that request camera, microphone, or location permissions
Links sent by known contacts that seem out of character

Protective Measures:

Verify video or audio messages of loved ones through separate communication channels before acting
Never agree to create content for unknown parties, regardless of payment offered
Check app reviews and verify official app sources before downloading
Enable two-factor authentication on social media and messaging accounts
Maintain open communication with trusted adults about online interactions

Educational and Support Initiatives

Authorities and child protection organizations are deploying countermeasures:

Awareness Programs:

Over 500 events conducted in 82 regions in the past three years
"Safe Internet" board game (5,000+ copies distributed)
Free video course "Children Know" featuring teen hosts
Digital literacy courses for all age groups

Technological Solutions:

Home and mobile cybersecurity service suite with automatic phishing protection and customizable traffic filtering
"Child Protection" subscription service integrating all necessary security tools

Where to Report:

Contact local law enforcement or cybercrime units with specific details
Report fake apps to app store operators
Report deepfakes and harmful content to social media platforms' abuse teams
Contact national child protection organizations for guidance

Key Takeaway

The digital landscape evolves faster than awareness. Simple parental controls are insufficient. Scammers exploit natural teenage desires (earning money, gaining recognition). Only by developing critical thinking, information verification skills, and manipulation awareness can teenagers independently resist criminal schemes.