The Dark Side of Artificial Intelligence : How to Protect Your Commercial Real Estate Investments on Long Island

Stacey Bryan

Stacey Bryan

How AI is Reshaping—and Threatening—Long Island’s CRE Market

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the commercial real estate (CRE) landscape
across Long Island. From streamlining lease negotiations to analyzing market trends and
optimizing property management, AI-driven tools are helping landlords, investors, and brokers
make smarter, faster decisions. At NAI Long Island, we leverage these advancements to deliver a
competitive edge to our clients.
But with every technological advancement comes new risks. AI is also empowering
scammers—who now use deepfakes, voice cloning, and synthetic documents—to defraud
professionals involved in high-value transactions across the region.
Here’s how to stay ahead of the curve and protect your investments.

What Is Generative AI?

Generative AI (GenAI) is a form of artificial intelligence that can create content—including
emails, documents, videos, and even realistic voices—based on patterns it learns from existing
data. While it’s great for automating tasks or generating reports, it’s also used by bad actors to
fabricate highly convincing but fraudulent communications.
For Long Island’s CRE professionals—especially those dealing in high-demand areas like
Melville, Hauppauge, or Garden City—this means increased vulnerability in digital transactions.

Common AI-Driven Scams Targeting Commercial Real Estate

Long Island’s active CRE market, with its mix of retail, medical, industrial, and mixed-use
properties, presents a rich target for AI-enhanced fraud. Some of the most common schemes
include:

  • Impersonation with Deepfakes: Scammers can create fake emails or video calls that look
    and sound like a real broker, attorney, or investor—tricking parties into wiring funds or
    approving deals.
  • Voice Cloning: With just a short audio clip, criminals can recreate someone’s voice—faking
    calls that sound like your lender, tenant, or legal advisor.
  • Synthetic Documents: Fraudulent leases, financials, or IDs can now be generated with AI
    tools that are difficult to detect as fake, especially in virtual or remote deals.
  • Business Email Compromise (BEC): Scammers use AI to craft emails that mimic your
    team’s writing style, increasing the likelihood that you’ll click on malicious links or send funds
    to the wrong account.

How to Protect Yourself in Long Island CRE Transactions

With commercial property values and deal volumes on the rise across Long Island, now is the
time to implement AI-aware safeguards:
✅ Update Software: Keep malware protection and systems up to date to defend against digital
threats.
✅ Monitor Properties: Set up Google Alerts for key property addresses, especially if you
manage or invest in multiple sites.
✅ Check Local County Services: Suffolk and Nassau Counties may offer fraud alert
systems—opt in to be notified of suspicious filings.
✅ Verify All Parties: Don’t rely on email alone. Set up secure video calls and ask site-specific
or transaction-specific questions.
✅ Use Encrypted Tools: Send documents and wire information only through secure
portals—not regular email.
✅ Activate Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This adds a critical extra layer of protection
for your accounts.
✅ Consider Enhanced Title Coverage: Ask if your title provider offers fraud protection
policies tailored for commercial properties.
✅ Work with Trusted Professionals: Partnering with an experienced team like NAI Long
Island ensures every step of your transaction is handled with diligence, tech awareness, and local
expertise.


How to Tell if Something Is AI-Generated

Language Clues

  • Overly formal or vague language
  • Repetitive phrasing or unnatural transitions
  • Emotionally manipulative wording

Voice/Phone Clues

  • Robotic tone, no interruptions
  • Doesn’t respond naturally to slang
  • Glitches or odd pauses

Photo Clues

  • Distorted hands, hair, or facial features
  • Unnatural lighting or shadows
  • Background inconsistencies

Stay Ahead of the Curve

At NAI Long Island, we stay on top of tech trends, so you don’t have to. Our team understands
how to identify red flags, verify information, and manage transactions with the highest level of
security and professionalism. Long Island’s commercial real estate market is fast-paced and
high-stakes—don’t let AI-powered fraud slow you down.

Questions about a transaction or security best practices? Contact our team for expert, local
guidance you can trust.