How AI Is Changing the Way Scammers Target You
Artificial intelligence has made scams look and sound real. Criminals now clone voices, write flawless emails, and even create fake videos of people you know.
Knowing what’s possible and how to spot it helps you protect your money and personal information.
Key Takeaways
1
AI makes scams more personal and believable.
2
Voice and video cloning can mimic real people, including family members.
3
Always verify requests through known contact information.
4
Stop and think before sending money or data to anyone, regardless of how believable it is.
How AI Is Changing Fraud
AI lets scammers fake almost anything, from emails to live conversations. What once looked suspicious now seems professional.
AI-Generated Emails and Messages
Old phishing emails had typos and broken sentences.
Now, AI writes them in perfect English, using real company names and formatting.
Watch For:
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Requests for payments or password changes that seem unexpected
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Emails claiming “updated invoice” or “delivery issue” without prior context
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Messages that use your name or company details to appear legitimate with minor errors or tweaks
Voice Cloning & Fake Phone Calls
AI voice cloning can replicate tone, emotion, and accent from just a few seconds of audio.
This makes fake calls sound personal and convincing, even to people who know the real person well.
Scammers Have Used Cloned Voices To:
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Pretend to be a child asking for help
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Impersonate a manager approving a transfer
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Mimic relatives asking for gift cards or emergency funds
These calls often include urgent language and pressure to act immediately, making victims feel they have no time to verify.
Stay safe: Hang up. Call back using a verified number saved in your phone, never the number provided in the call.
Deepfake Video Scams
AI video tools now generate lifelike recordings that appear to show someone you know speaking. These videos can look convincing enough to bypass suspicion, especially when paired with emotional language.
Fraudsters send clips that appear to be from family, coworkers, or leaders, asking for money or donations.
They often use urgency and personal details to make the request feel real.
Red Flags:
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Unnatural blinking or mismatched lip movements
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Strange lighting or skin tone changes
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Blurry video as an attempt to cover up minor errors
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Emotional or urgent requests for help
While AI is not perfect yet, it is getting better every day. If a video message feels off, confirm it by contacting a trusted number or in person before acting.
Common AI-Based Scams to Watch For
The technology keeps changing, but the goal stays the same: trick you into sending money or information for their personal gain.
Today, AI makes those scams more convincing and harder to detect.
The “Grandchild in Trouble” Scam
A scammer calls pretending to be your grandchild or a police officer, saying your loved one has been in an accident or arrested and needs money right away.
The voice sounds real, emotional, and rushed.
How To Protect Yourself:
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Hang up and call your grandchild or their parents directly
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Never wire or transfer money based on a call or text
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Remember, law enforcement will never ask for payment over the phone
Fake Charity or Fundraiser Scams
You might receive a phone call, letter, or Facebook message asking for donations to a familiar-sounding organization.
The caller often uses the name of a real charity or says they’re raising money for local disaster relief.
How To Protect Yourself:
Family Photo or Message Scams
Scammers send emails or Facebook messages with “new photos” of family members or friends.
The goal is to get you to click on a link that installs malware or leads to a fake login page.
How To Protect Yourself:
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Don’t click unexpected links, even if they include familiar names or seem legit
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Ask your family if they actually sent the message directly
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Delete or report suspicious messages that don’t sound like them or come from unexpected or new accounts
How To Protect Yourself from AI-Driven Fraud
Even with new technology, simple habits still offer the strongest defense. Scammers rely on speed and emotion, so slowing down and verifying every request is your best protection.
Verify Before You Act
Before sending money or sharing details, pause and confirm the request. Fraudsters often create urgency to make you act without thinking.
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Use known phone numbers or official websites
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Avoid reacting immediately to emotional messages
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Call your bank before sending funds if you’re unsure
Keep Personal Information Private
The less criminals know, the harder it is for them to trick you. Oversharing online gives scammers the details they need to sound convincing.
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Limit what you share on social media
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Avoid posting travel plans, work details or other vulnerable information
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Use privacy settings to restrict who can see your posts
Strengthen Your Account Security
Strong security makes it harder for scammers to access your accounts, even if they have personal details.
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Set limits on daily online transfers
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Turn on account alerts for all withdrawals and transfers
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Use multi-factor authentication for your online accounts
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Update passwords regularly and avoid reusing them across accounts
Minor adjustments like these make it harder for criminals to access your information or rush you into a bad decision.
Why Local Banks Make Digital Safety Personal
Technology detects fraud; people prevent it. FSB’s strength comes from knowing our customers and acting fast when something feels off.
Local Relationships
Your banker knows your habits, your business, and your everyday transactions. That local familiarity makes it easier to spot something that doesn’t fit.
What That Means For You:
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Faster detection of unusual transactions
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Real outreach from someone who already knows your name
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Decisions made locally, not by an out-of-state system
Real Conversations
Fraud feels overwhelming online, but it’s easier to handle when you can walk in and talk through it.
What To Do When Something Looks Suspicious
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Visit your nearest branch and speak with a banker
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Bring your device so your banker can review it safely
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Leave with clear next steps to protect your accounts
Shared Responsibility
Fraud prevention is a two-way partnership. You watch for warning signs, and we monitor behind the scenes.
FSB Is Committed To:
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Monitoring transactions and flagging unusual activity for review
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Working quickly with customers when something looks suspicious
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Providing education and resources during Fraud Awareness Week and throughout the year
Related Articles
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