Keeping Your Information Safe in the Age of AI

Artificial intelligence is changing the way we live. While some of the advancements with AI bring exciting opportunities, they also create new ways for scammers to target consumers. By knowing what to watch for, you can confidently protect yourself, your identity, and your finances.

AI Is Making Scams More Believable

Traditional scams often contained spelling mistakes, awkward wording, or obvious warning signs. Today, AI helps scammers create polished messages that look and sound legitimate.

Some common AI-powered scams include:

  • Phishing emails and text messages that appear to come from your financial institution, employer, or a trusted company.
  • Voice cloning, where scammers use recordings from social media or voicemail greetings to imitate a family member or friend.
  • Deepfake videos, which use AI to create realistic-looking videos of people saying or doing things they never actually did.
  • Fake customer support, where AI chatbots or convincing websites trick people into sharing passwords or personal information.

These scams are designed to create urgency and encourage quick decisions before you have time to think.

Warning Signs to Watch For

No matter how convincing a message may seem, there are a few common red flags:

  • Someone pressures you to act immediately
  • You’re asked to keep the conversation a secret
  • A caller requests account numbers, passwords, PINs, or security codes
  • You’re asked to send money through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps
  • A message contains links you weren’t expecting
  • Something just feels “off” even if it sounds convincing

Five Ways to Protect Yourself

  1. Verify Before You Trust

If someone contacts you claiming to be from your credit union, another financial institution, or even a family member asking for money, don’t respond using the information they provided. Instead, hang up and contact the organization using the phone number listed on its official website or on the back of your debit or credit card. If it’s a loved one, call them directly using a number you already have saved. A quick verification can prevent a costly mistake.

  1. Think Before You Click

Scammers often send links that lead to fake websites designed to steal your login credentials. Before clicking any link:

  • Hover over links if you’re using a computer
  • Double-check website addresses
  • Type the website address yourself instead of clicking a link from an unexpected email or text

When in doubt, go directly to the company’s website.

  1. Protect Your Personal Information

Your personal information is valuable. You should never share:

  • Online banking usernames or passwords
  • One-time verification codes
  • Debit or credit card PINs
  • Social security numbers
  • Account numbers with unsolicited callers

Remember: Legitimate financial institutions will never ask you to share your online banking  password or security codes over the phone, text, or email.

  1. Strengthen Your Online Security

Strong security habits make it much harder for scammers to access your accounts. Using unique passwords for each account is a great way to keep your accounts secure. You can enable multi-factor authentication whenever available if you’d like to keep your account more secure. You can also keep your phone, computer, and apps updated with the latest security patches.

  1. Be Careful When You Share Online

Many AI scams start with information found on social media. Public posts can reveal family relationships, birthdays, pets’ names, vacation plans, vacation plans, and schools or workplaces. Scammers can use these details to make messages feel more personal and believable. Review your privacy settings and think carefully before sharing personal information publicly.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed

If you believe you’ve shared personal or financial information with a scammer, act quickly.

  • Contact your credit union immediately
  • Change passwords for affected accounts
  • Monitor your account activity for unauthorized transactions
  • Place fraud alerts or freeze your cards if necessary
  • Report suspicious emails, texts, or phone calls

The sooner you respond, the more options you may have to protect your accounts.

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