Is That Text Real? How to Spot AI Messages
You receive a text message from a number you don't recognize, or perhaps even one that claims to be someone you know. It reads well, but something about it feels stiff, cold, or just slightly "off." You aren't imagining things—you might be reading a message written by a computer.
Scammers and spammers now use AI to write thousands of text messages in seconds. These programs are smart, but they are not human. They have a specific way of "talking" that is different from how your friends and family communicate. By learning to spot these "robot accents," you can delete these messages before they trick you.
Imagine getting a text that says, "I am writing to inquire about your recent transaction." It sounds polite, but would your neighbor actually say that? probably not. Real people are messy and casual; AI is formal and stiff.
Step 1: Check for "Perfect" Grammar Real people type fast and make mistakes. We often skip commas, forget to capitalize the first letter, or use shortcuts like "lol" or "thru." We communicate in bursts of thought, not perfect paragraphs.
AI programs, on the other hand, are trained to be strict English teachers. They almost always use perfect capitalization, correct punctuation, and complete sentences. If you get a casual text that looks like it was proofread by a librarian—with every comma in the right place and no slang at all—be suspicious. If your grandson usually texts "hey gramma im here," and suddenly you get "Hello Grandmother, I have arrived at the location," that is a major red flag.
Step 2: Watch for "Robot Words" AI models tend to overuse certain words that sound professional but feel weird in a text message. We call this "robot language." These are words that fill space without adding much emotion.
Look for words like "kindly," "endeavor," "crucial," "regarding," or "moreover." Also, watch for stiff opening phrases like "I hope this message finds you well." Humans rarely talk like this on a small phone screen. If the text sounds like a business memo or a form letter from a bank, it was likely generated by a machine, not typed by a human thumb.
Step 3: Test for Vague Answers AI often lacks specific details about your life, so it speaks in generalities. It tries to sound like it knows you without actually saying anything specific. This is a common trick in "romance scams" or fake wrong-number texts.
If you ask a specific question like, "Did you bring the potato salad?", a human answers clearly: "Yes, it's in the fridge." An AI bot, trying to keep the conversation going without knowing the facts, might say, "I have prepared the food items for the event." If the reply feels vague, like a horoscope that could apply to anyone, do not engage.
Step 4: Break the Script If you are still unsure, the best way to test a texter is to say something confusing. AI bots often struggle when a conversation takes a sharp, illogical turn.
Reply with a question that requires a specific shared memory or basic human logic. You might ask, "Is this the number for the pizza place?" (even if you know it isn't) or "Do you still have that blue dog?" (knowing they don't). A human will stop and correct you: "What? No, this is Steve." An AI scammer will often ignore your question completely and keep pushing their script: "I am just trying to help you with your refund." If they ignore your confusion, hit delete.
You don't need to be a linguist to spot these fakes. Trust your ear. If it doesn't sound like the person you know, or if it sounds too much like a robot butler, it probably is.
When in doubt, don't text back. Pick up the phone and call the person directly.