Ai Scams You Need to Know

I asked DeepSeek.ai a question. Here is what I got.

The claims of making $4K a week (or similar amounts) using AI tools are often exaggerated, misleading, or outright scams. Let’s break down the reality behind these claims with some key statistics and insights:

1. How Common Are These Claims?

A 2024 study by the FTC found that AI-related side hustle scams surged by 300% compared to 2022.

YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram are flooded with "AI money-making" videos, many using clickbait tactics to drive affiliate sales or course purchases.

A BuzzFeed analysis (2023) found that over 60% of "Make Money with AI" videos led to paid products (courses, eBooks, tool subscriptions) rather than genuine passive income.

2. How Many People Actually Make $4K+/Week with AI?

Less than 1% of people who try AI side hustles (freelancing, content creation, automation) hit $4K/month, let alone per week.

A 2024 Upwork report showed that only ~5% of AI freelancers (e.g., ChatGPT prompt engineers, AI video editors) earn over $50/hour, and most make $15–$30/hour.

Fiverr & Upwork data reveals that AI-based gigs (like AI-generated eBooks, logos, or voiceovers) are oversaturated, with many sellers earning under $500/month.

3. The Most Common AI Money-Making Scams

"Buy my AI course to get rich quick" → Often repackaged free info.

"Automated AI drop shipping" → Most stores fail due to competition.

"AI trading bots that guarantee profits" → Many are Ponzi schemes.

"AI-generated content = passive income" → Amazon/KDP bans low-quality AI books, YouTube demonetizes AI spam.

4. Who’s Really Making Money?

The people selling courses/tools (not using them).

Affiliate marketers promoting AI software (e.g., "Use this AI tool to make $10K/month!").

Top 0.1% of skilled freelancers (AI developers, automation experts).

5. The Reality Check

AI can help with productivity, but it’s not a magic money printer.

Most "easy money" AI methods require:

Heavy upfront work (learning, testing, failing).

Existing skills (marketing, coding, sales).

Luck (saturation in most niches).

Conclusion: Should You Trust These Claims?

No. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Legit AI income comes from real skills + effort, not "one-click" schemes.

Always research before buying a course or tool—many are just repackaged hype.

7 Red Flags of AI Money-Making Scams

"Guaranteed Income" Claims

Scam: "Make $4K/week with AI—guaranteed or your money back!"

Reality: No legit business guarantees income (especially with zero effort).

Vagueness About the "Secret Method"

Scam: "I can’t reveal the secret here—buy my course!"

Reality: If they won’t explain the basics upfront, it’s a sales funnel.

Fake "Proof" of Earnings

Scam: Blurry screenshots of PayPal deposits or stock photos of luxury cars.

Reality: Ask for verified testimonials (LinkedIn, real social profiles).

Pressure to "Act Now"

Scam: "Only 3 spots left at this price!"

Reality: Urgency = manipulation. Real opportunities don’t disappear overnight.

Overemphasis on "Automation"

Scam: "Just set it and forget it!"

Reality: Even AI tools need maintenance, updates, and marketing.

No Refund Policy (Or a Shady One)

Scam: "No refunds after download" (common with cheap eBooks/courses).

Reality: Legit sellers offer at least a 7–14 day refund window.

They’re Selling the Shovel, Not Digging for Gold

Scam: The person pitching the method makes money only from selling courses, not from the method itself.

Reality: Check if they actually use the strategy (e.g., do they have a real AI business?).

How to Spot REAL AI Money-Making Opportunities

Not all AI income claims are scams—some people are making money ethically. Here’s how to tell:

Transparent Case Studies

Example: "Here’s my AI-powered freelance business, and here’s my Upwork profile proving it."

Free Value First

Example: A YouTuber gives a detailed free tutorial on AI freelancing before offering a paid course.

Realistic Timeframes

Example: "It took me 6 months to hit $5K/month with AI client work—here’s how."

Focus on Skills Over Hacks

Example: "Learn prompt engineering + cold outreach to land clients" vs. "Click this button to print money."

Community Proof

Look for unpaid reviews (Reddit, Twitter, Discord) from real users—not just testimonials on their site.

How to Research Before Spending Money

Google "[Product Name] + Scam" (e.g., "AI Profits Course Scam").

Check Reddit (r/Scams, r/Entrepreneur, r/ArtificialIntelligence).

Search YouTube for honest reviews (avoid affiliates).

Ask for proof of the seller’s own success (e.g., LinkedIn, client lists).

Bottom Line

Scams prey on desperation—if you’re hoping for "easy money," you’re the target.

Real AI income requires skill (coding, marketing, sales) + effort.

The only people getting rich quick are the ones selling the dream.

Common "AI Writing" Money-Making Claims to Watch For:

Many LinkedIn/TikTok posts hype AI writing income with lines like:

*"Writers are making $10K/month using AI tools!"*

*"I went from $0 to $6K/month just by using ChatGPT!"*

"Companies are desperate for AI-assisted writers—no experience needed!"

Red Flags in AI Writing Income Claims

Overstated Earnings

Most freelance writers using AI earn $20–$50/hour (not $10K/month passively).

Top earners usually have existing portfolios, niche expertise, or clients—AI just speeds up their work.

"No Skills Needed" Claims

AI-generated content often gets rejected by clients (or platforms like Medium/KDP) for being generic.

Real AI-assisted writing requires editing, research, and human input.

Affiliate/Upsell Traps

Many posts are just promoting an AI tool/course (e.g., Jasper, KoalaWriter) with affiliate links.

Fake "Success Stories"

Testimonials like "I made $8K in a week!" are often fabricated or from people who already had audiences.

Reality Check: Can You Make Money with AI Writing?

Yes, but it’s not easy or passive. Here’s how some writers actually profit:

Freelance Platforms (Upwork/Fiverr): Editing AI drafts for clients ($20–$100/article).

Self-Publishing (KDP/Medium): Using AI for ideas & outlines, but heavily editing output.

SEO Agencies: Bulk AI content (low pay, ~$0.01–$0.05/word).

Cold Pitching Businesses: Offering "AI-optimized" blog posts (requires sales skills).

Earnings Stats:

Median freelance writer income (2024): ~$42,000/year (with or without AI).

Top 10% of AI-assisted writers: $80K+/year (but they treat it like a full-time job).

How to Vet This Specific LinkedIn Post

Check the Poster’s Profile

Are they making money from writing, or just selling a course/tool?

Do they have real client testimonials (not anonymous quotes)?

Look for Proof

If they claim, "writers are earning $X," ask: Where’s the evidence? (LinkedIn profiles? Case studies?)

Google "[Their Name] + Scam"

Reddit/forum threads often expose shady promoters.

Is There an Upsell?

If the post ends with "DM me for my secret method!" or a course link, it’s likely a pitch.