What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and How to Protect Yourself from New AI-Driven Scams

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and How to Protect Yourself from New AI-Driven Scams

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is a type of smart computer technology that can learn, understand, and make decisions — sometimes mimicking human behavior like talking or writing. It powers helpful tools like voice assistants, fraud detection at banks, and more. But fraudsters are also using AI to create new kinds of scams that can seem very convincing.

How AI is Changing Scams: What to Watch Out For

• AI-Generated Phone Calls and Voice Messages: Scammers can use AI voices that sound almost exactly like a real person, including someone from your bank or a government agency. These calls might ask for your account details or passwords.
• Fake Emails and Text Messages that Seem Real: AI can write messages that look very professional and personal, even mimicking people you know. These messages often include links to fake websites designed to steal your information.
• AI-Generated Fake Websites: Scammers create websites that look just like official banking sites by using AI to copy their design, tricking you into entering your login details.
• Deepfake Videos and Audio: AI can create videos or sound recordings that appear to show a trusted person—like a family member or a credit union staff member—asking for money or sensitive information.

How to Protect Yourself from AI-Related Scams

• Don’t Trust the Voice Alone: If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be your bank or another official, stay cautious—even if their voice sounds familiar. Ask questions only the real person could answer, or hang up and call your bank directly using a number you know is legitimate.
• Verify Before You Click: AI-written emails and texts can be very convincing. Before clicking on any links or downloading attachments, verify the sender by contacting your bank or the person directly through official channels.
• Look for Signs of Fake Websites: Check the website’s web address carefully. AI can copy the look of a real bank site, but the website address (URL) might be slightly different or misspelled. Always type your bank’s website address directly into your browser instead of clicking on links in messages.
• Watch Out for Urgency or Pressure: AI scams often try to rush you by saying there’s an emergency or you must act now. Take your time. Real banks won’t pressure you to make quick decisions or share sensitive info.
• Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This extra security step asks for a second confirmation, like a code sent to your phone, making it harder for AI-based attacks to access your accounts even if they have your password.
• Keep Your Technology Updated: AI-based scams can exploit security weaknesses, so keep your computers, phones, and apps updated with the latest security patches.
• Ask for Help When Unsure: If you receive a suspicious call, email, or message that seems AI-generated or too strange, talk to a trusted family member, friend, or contact your credit union’s official support for confirmation.