Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro signed SB 649 into law, creating new criminal penalties for anyone who uses artificial intelligence (AI) to produce non-consensual “forged digital likenesses” — like deepfakes or voice clones — to defraud or harm Pennsylvanians, protecting Pennsylvanians from AI scams and financial exploitation. Under the new law, prosecutors can now charge bad actors with a third-degree felony if they use AI-generated fake content to commit fraud or cause injury — including schemes like faking a grandchild’s voice to trick older adults into sending money.
This builds on a new law targeting AI-generated child sexual abuse material and non-consensual intimate images signed by Governor Shapiro last year.
“In Pennsylvania, we are leading on AI — and taking advantage of the economic and technological benefits that come with it — but we’re also taking a thoughtful, proactive approach to protecting Pennsylvanians,” said Governor Shapiro. “By signing this bill into law, we’re sending a clear message that if you use AI to defraud or exploit Pennsylvanians, you will be held accountable. My Administration is committed to cracking down on scammers, reducing fraud, protecting consumers, and making sure Pennsylvanians of all ages can feel safe and confident in the digital age.”
“I’m proud to see the Governor signing my bipartisan legislation to better protect Pennsylvanians from deepfake impersonations and scams that have already cost victims millions,” said Senator Tracy Pennycuick. “ Now law enforcement will have the tools they need to hold bad actors responsible, creating a powerful deterrent that will make criminals think twice before attempting these digital deceptions.”
“Today is an important day in our Commonwealth. With the Governor’s signature, we’re highlighting the need for responsible regulation on a technology that is poised to be more accessible in our daily lives in the near future,” said Senator John Kane. “Progress is good, but protecting Pennsylvanians from the unintended consequences of this tech is one of my top priorities.”
This bill builds on the Shapiro Administration’s consumer protection efforts — Pennsylvania’s Departments of Aging, Banking and Securities, and Insurance Department are already working to raise awareness and protect residents across the Commonwealth.
Older adults continue to remain especially vulnerable: the Department of Aging received nearly 18,500 reports of financial exploitation in FY 2023-24 — nearly one-third of all abuse reports — and the number of financial exploitation cases has nearly doubled since 2017. With Pennsylvania home to the fifth-largest older adult population in the nation, these scams put thousands at risk every year.
“Older adults being the target of scams has continued to rise each year. Last year financial exploitation became the most reported form of abuse for older Pennsylvanians. Increasingly sophisticated technology gives the victim a false sense of familiarity, with devastating results,” said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich. “The signing of SB 649 into law creates consequences for those who would use AI to rob older adults of their retirements. We applaud this action and look forward to continuing our work with the House and Senate for a comprehensive update to the Older Adult Protective Services Act to strengthen protections for older adults even more.”
Protecting Consumers Through Education and Enforcement
The Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS) is leading education efforts to help Pennsylvanians recognize and avoid AI-driven scams and identity theft. In 2024, DoBS reached nearly 35,000 Pennsylvanians through free events and programs, answered over 10,000 consumer inquiries, and helped return millions to harmed consumers.
“Financial crimes involving artificial intelligence are on the rise, and it’s getting harder to tell what’s real and what’s fake,” said DoBS Secretary Wendy Spicher. “It’s critical that consumers stay alert and informed, and know that help is just a call or click away if they have questions or concerns.”
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) is ensuring AI is used responsibly in the insurance industry. Last year, PID issued guidance reminding insurers that decisions supported by AI must comply with existing laws and protect consumers against unfair discrimination or inaccuracies.
“Advancing technology offers real benefits, but scammers can exploit it to target Pennsylvanians,” said PID Commissioner Michael Humphreys. “This law helps hold those bad actors accountable — and we remind everyone to verify calls or offers that sound too good to be true.”
Continued Commitment to Consumer Protection
Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, DoBS and PID returned over $22 million to consumers last year, resolved thousands of complaints, and expanded education efforts across the Commonwealth.
In May, the Governor launched a new, centralized consumer protection hotline, website, and email address to make it easier for Pennsylvanians to report scams, resolve financial and insurance issues, and get help from the Commonwealth — part of his Administration’s commitment to step up consumer protections as federal protections are rolled back. This “no wrong door” approach means residents are quickly routed to the right agency — whether it’s a denied insurance claim, suspicious financial transaction, student loan scam, or utility issue.
To get help with a consumer issue, Pennsylvanians can now:
- Call: 1-866-PACOMPLAINT (1-866-722-6675)
- Visit: pa.gov/consumer
- Email: consumer@pa.gov
Pennsylvanians can also protect themselves by verifying unexpected calls, texts, or emails before responding; not buying insurance or financial products over the phone from unknown callers; using family “code words” to spot AI-cloned voice scams; checking that agents and companies are properly licensed at pa.gov/insurance; and never share personal or financial information unless you initiated the contact.
With this new law, coordinated agency efforts, and strong consumer protection laws already in place, Pennsylvania is stepping up: bad actors using AI to scam Pennsylvanians will be held accountable — and help for consumers is just a call or click away.