Smarter Tech, Smarter Scams: Don’t get fooled by AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a staple in everyday life. As we become more accustomed to AI tools, so are scammers. Here are common AI scams to keep on your radar.

AI-powered scams to look out for:

1. Voice cloning scams. Scammers copy audio of someone talking to manipulate, or clone, their voice, tricking their victims into thinking they’re talking to a friend or family member. They often target older adults with this scam, pretending to be a grandchild in a difficult situation, earning this con the nickname, “grandparent scam.”
2. Deepfake video + call scams. Deepfake videos are AI generated videos of real or simulated people that are combined with cloned voices. Scammers often use these videos to promote fake products or point to fake websites that try to capture your personal information. This method is often used for romance scammers who can hijack real-time video calls with simulated footage to pretend to be someone they are not.
3. AI-generated website scams. Scammers can create a fake website or online store using AI to pose as a legitimate business. Also called “triangulation fraud,” the scammer acts as a middleman by setting up a fake online storefront and accepting orders that they’ll fulfill using stolen credit card information. The unsuspecting buyer gets the product, the scammer pockets the money, and the third party with the stolen credit card is the victim.

How to protect yourself.

• Don’t rush. Scammers will try to get you to act quickly by adding pressure or trying to emotionally manipulate you into sending money or sharing sensitive information. Messages marked as “urgent” or threatening phone calls are red flags for a scam.
• Don’t click on links. Avoid clicking on links in emails, texts, and social media comments or messages as good practice.
• Verify. Verify! Reference official websites and published phone numbers instead of the links provided in a suspicious email or text message. Scammers can spoof websites to look legit! Remember, only log into your Online + Mobile Banking account through the bank’s website or Mobile Banking app. NEVER enter your Online Banking credentials into another site or link or share them with anyone, especially over the phone or by email.
• Create a secret password or phrase. Create a secret password or phrase with your family members and friends that you can use to verify each other’s identities. Don’t discuss it over email—in case someone’s email is compromised—and try to use something that a scammer won’t be able to figure out.
• Upgrade account security. Create unique passwords for all your online accounts and enable multifactor authentication (MFA). Monitor accounts regularly or set up account alerts to get notified of suspicious activity.
• Phone a friend. Need a second opinion? Contact a trusted family member or your bank to determine if you’re being scammed. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it often is.

TruNorth Bank is looking out for you.

We’re committed to keeping you informed about the latest scams and ways to protect your money and personal information. For more information and valuable tools to help you stay safe, visit our fraud prevention webpage, stop by your nearest office, or call Customer Care at 978.573.1300.