AI has changed what scams look and sound like. Here is what to watch for — and how to protect yourself and your money.
| KEY TAKEAWAYS |
| AI tools let fraudsters clone voices, generate fake videos, and create convincing phishing messages that are harder than ever to detect. |
| Urgency is the most consistent warning sign — real banks and family members will not pressure you to act immediately. |
| No legitimate bank, government agency, or family member will ask for your PIN, password, or full account number. |
| If something feels off, hang up and call ABC Bank directly using the number on your card or our official website. |
Imagine receiving a phone call from someone who sounds exactly like your bank representative. They know your name, they know you have an account, and they sound professional and convincing. They tell you there is a problem and ask you to verify your information right away.
The only problem? It is not your bank. It is a scam, and the voice on the other end may have been created using artificial intelligence (AI).
Understanding how to protect yourself from AI scams starts with knowing how these new forms of fraud work. For families and individuals across Texas and Colorado, these technologies can make fake situations feel incredibly real. But staying informed and recognizing the warning signs can help you protect your personal information and your money.
What Are AI Scams and Deepfakes, Exactly?
AI scams use artificial intelligence to make traditional scams more believable. Fraudsters can now use AI tools to create messages, images, audio, and videos that appear surprisingly authentic.
A deepfake is AI-generated content designed to make it look or sound like a real person said or did something they never actually said or did. A scammer could create a fake video, imitate someone’s voice, or generate realistic images to support a false story.
One of the most concerning developments is AI voice cloning. With just a short clip of someone speaking, sometimes only a few seconds long, scammers can create a convincing imitation of that person’s voice.
These tools used to require Hollywood-level budgets and technical expertise. The rapid development of AI technology has made them accessible to everyday criminals, and the results are increasingly difficult to detect.
The Most Common Ways Scammers Use AI Right Now
Voice cloning and “grandparent scams”
One of the most alarming examples is a voice cloning scam involving a family member. A scammer may call pretending to be a loved one in an emergency, claiming they have been in an accident and need money immediately. Because the voice sounds familiar, victims may feel pressured to act quickly before they have time to question what is happening.
If someone you know contacts you unexpectedly asking for money, take a moment to verify their identity using another method. Call them back on a saved phone number or contact another family member who can confirm the situation.
Bank impersonation calls
Scammers use phone spoofing to make calls appear to come from a trusted organization. AI makes these scams more convincing by allowing fraudsters to generate voices that sound professional and realistic. A scammer may pretend to be a bank employee, claim there is suspicious activity on your account, and ask you to verify personal information, share login credentials, or move money to a supposedly safer account.
Legitimate financial institutions will not ask for your password, PIN, or full account information over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from ABC Bank, hang up and contact us directly. Learn more in our guide to bank impersonation scams and phone spoofing.
Deepfake video calls
Deepfake technology is also being used in video-based scams. Fraudsters can create fake video calls that appear to show people you recognize and trust, including company executives, government officials, or other familiar authority figures, and then instruct someone to transfer money or share confidential information. Even seeing a recognizable face on screen is no longer enough to confirm that a request is legitimate.
AI-generated phishing emails and text messages
Many people recognize scam emails by their spelling mistakes and unusual wording. AI has changed that. Today’s scam messages can appear polished and grammatically correct. AI can generate emails and texts that look like they came from a trusted company, a delivery service, or even a financial institution, complete with logos, proper formatting, and personalized details.
Fake websites
Scammers can use AI tools to quickly build websites that look nearly identical to legitimate ones. These fake sites are often designed to steal usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information. Before entering any personal information online, make sure you are visiting the official website. Avoid clicking links in unexpected emails or texts and navigate directly to the company’s website yourself.
Red Flags to Watch For
AI-generated scams are becoming more realistic, but there are still warning signs that can help you identify fraud before it is too late.
- A sense of urgency: Scammers want you to act before you have time to think. Be cautious of anyone who pressures you to send money, share information, or make a decision immediately. This is the most consistent warning sign across every type of AI scam.
- Requests for sensitive information: No legitimate bank employee, government agency, or trusted organization will ask for your password, PIN, or full account number through an unexpected call, text, or email.
- Caller ID that seems trustworthy: A phone number that appears to belong to ABC Bank does not always mean the call is legitimate. Caller ID information can be manipulated. If something feels unusual, hang up and call the official number yourself.
- Unexpected problems: Be cautious if someone contacts you about an account issue, payment, or emergency that you were not already aware of. Scammers count on surprise to keep you off balance.
- Unnatural audio or video: Warning signs can include unusual facial movements, blurry edges around a person, unnatural blinking, robotic speech patterns, or delays in a conversation. Keep in mind that AI technology is improving quickly, and these signs are not always easy to spot.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Targeted
If you believe you have encountered an AI scam, acting quickly can help protect your information and limit any damage.
- Hang up and contact ABC Bank directly using the number on the back of your card or on our official website.
- Do not click links or download attachments from unexpected messages, even if they appear to come from a trusted source.
- Enable two-factor authentication for your online banking and other important accounts.
- Create a family “safe word” that can be used to verify unexpected emergency calls from a person claiming to be a loved one.
If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, report it to ABC Bank as soon as possible. You can also report suspected scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
How ABC Bank Works to Protect You
While scammers continue to develop new tactics, ABC Bank continues to invest in tools and resources designed to help customers manage their accounts securely. Our online banking platform includes account activity alerts that notify you of transactions in real time, customizable security settings, and secure login options that add an extra layer of protection to your account.
Regularly reviewing your account alerts and security settings is one of the most effective things you can do to stay protected. If you are not sure what options are available to you, our team is happy to walk you through them.
You do not have to sort out a suspicious call or message on your own. If something does not feel right, contact ABC Bank directly or stop by your local branch. We are always glad to help you figure out what happened and determine the safest next step.
Stay One Step Ahead of AI Scams
Technology continues to change, but one thing remains the same: scammers rely on trust and urgency to succeed. Taking a moment to pause and verify information can make all the difference. Visit our Fraud Education Center for more resources on recognizing and reporting fraud.
Log in to ABC Bank’s secure online banking to review your account alerts and security settings. Not enrolled yet? Enroll in online banking to take a more active role in monitoring your accounts.
If you have questions about account security or believe you may have encountered a scam, contact ABC Bank or visit your local branch. Our team is here to help you review what happened and determine the safest next step.
