AI, or artificial intelligence, has integrated itself into nearly every aspect of modern life.  From smartphones and entertainment to healthcare and finance – AI is prevalent.  Although it can increase efficiency and productivity, enhance decision-making, drive innovation and assist with content creation, it’s not without its drawbacks. In addition to jobs lost to automation, the potential misuse of data security, and the environmental impacts – AI is becoming a tool of fraudsters.

In the past, phishing emails with their broken grammar, awkward greetings, and suspicious links were easy to detect. Today, scammers use large language models (LLMs) to generate flawless messages in over a hundred languages. They can even use LinkedIn content, online press releases, and past data breach alerts to create emails that reference real projects or events that appear to be from a coworker.

Fraudsters can easily clone voices with only a few seconds of recorded audio. They can easily create deep-fake videos from a still photo. These present scammers with opportunities to exploit human trust for their personal gain. Learn to identify and protect yourself from AI scams by following these tips.

Identifying AI-Specific Scams

  • In videos, watch for inconsistencies such as jerky movements, inconsistent lighting, unnatural blinking, odd lip-syncing issues, and strange backgrounds.

  • For audio, listen for robotic or overly smooth voices, odd tempo, or lack of emotion.

  • Look closely at images for odd looking hands and fingers.

  • In text, search for overly formal or repetitive language.  


Popular Scam Tactics

  • Creating a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting without thinking.

  • Requesting payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer, which are hard to trace. 

  • Offering something that is too good to be true.


Protect Yourself

  • Verify appeals from a friend, family member, or any unexpected request by calling them back at a known number to confirm their request. 

  • Never share sensitive information like your Social Security number, bank account details, or passwords via phone, text, or email. 

  • Keep your devices and software updated, use strong, unique passwords, and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on sensitive accounts. 

  • Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages. 

  • Stay informed about new scams by regularly visiting our blog which provides readers with tips for practicing safer online habits in order to protect against identity theft and fraud.

Have questions or concerns?  Contact one of our banking centers and we’ll be happy to assist you.  If you believe that you have been the victim of a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission. 
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