Artificial intelligence is making everyday technology smarter and more convenient, but unfortunately, it is also giving scammers new tools to make fraud more convincing.

AI can help criminals create realistic emails and text messages, imitate voices, build convincing websites and even produce fake videos. That means some scams are becoming harder to recognize at first glance.

The good news? You don’t have to be an AI expert to protect yourself. Knowing the warning signs, slowing down and knowing how to verify a request can go a long way toward protecting your money.

Here are some AI-powered scams to watch for right now.

1. Fake Bank Calls and Messages

You receive a text or phone call claiming to be from your bank: “We detected suspicious activity on your account. Did you authorize this transaction?”

The scammer may know your name, reference a recent transaction or use a phone number that appears legitimate. They may then ask you to provide personal information, a password or verification code, or instruct you to move money to a “safe” account.

Protect yourself:

• Don’t provide passwords, PINs, CVVs or one-time verification codes to someone who unexpectedly contacts you.
• Don’t click links in unexpected messages about your bank account.
• Never move money because someone tells you it is necessary to “protect” your account.
• If you’re concerned about a transaction, contact your bank directly using a trusted phone number, such as the number on the back of your debit card.

2. AI Voice-Cloning Scams

Imagine receiving a call from someone who sounds exactly like your child, grandchild or another family member. They say they’re in trouble and need money immediately.

AI technology can now be used to create convincing imitations of a person’s voice. Scammers use these fake voices to create a sense of urgency and pressure victims into sending money.

The request might involve a wire transfer, payment app, gift cards or another form of payment.

Protect yourself:

• Don’t send money simply because a caller sounds familiar.
• Slow down if someone pressures you to act immediately.
• Hang up and call the person directly using a trusted phone number.
• Consider establishing a family “safe word” or verification question for unexpected emergencies.

3. AI-Generated Phishing Emails and Texts

Phishing scams are nothing new, but AI can make them much more convincing.

Instead of an obvious scam message with poor grammar and spelling, you may receive a polished, professional-looking message that appears to come from your bank, credit card company or another business you know.

A message may say:

“We noticed an unusual login to your account. Please verify your information to prevent your account from being restricted.”

The link takes you to a fake website designed to steal your login information, card number or other personal information.

Protect yourself:

• Don’t click links in unexpected texts or emails.
• Don’t assume a message is legitimate just because it looks professional.
• Open your bank’s official app or type the website address you know directly into your browser rather than using a link in a message.
• If you’re unsure, contact the company directly using a trusted phone number.

4. Deepfake Investment Scams

Scammers are also using AI-generated images and videos to make fake investment opportunities appear legitimate.

A deepfake may make it look like a celebrity, financial expert or other trusted person is recommending an investment. You may then be directed to a professional-looking website and encouraged to invest quickly.

Promises of guaranteed returns or making large amounts of money in a short period are major warning signs.

Protect yourself:

• Be skeptical of investments promising guaranteed or unusually high returns.
• Don’t make an investment decision because of a video or social media post alone.
• Research the investment and company independently.
• Don’t allow someone to pressure you into making an immediate financial decision.
• Be especially cautious if you’re asked to send money or cryptocurrency to an unfamiliar account.

5. “Recovery” Scams

Unfortunately, being scammed once doesn’t always mean the fraud is over.

Recovery scams target people who have already lost money. A criminal may contact you claiming to be a government agency, bank representative, attorney, investigator or other professional who can help recover your money.

They may ask you to pay an upfront fee or provide financial information.

Protect yourself:

• Be skeptical of anyone who promises to recover money you’ve already lost if for a fee.
• Don’t provide passwords, account information or other sensitive information to an unsolicited “recovery specialist.”
• Contact your bank or the appropriate authorities directly using verified contact information.
• Remember that a professional-looking website or official-looking document doesn’t necessarily mean someone is legitimate.

Stop. Verify. Then Act.

Before sending money, sharing information or clicking a link, ask yourself:

• Was I expecting this call, text or email?
• Am I being pressured to act immediately?
• Am I being asked for a password, PIN or verification code?
• Am I being told to move money to “protect” it?
• Can I independently verify who I’m communicating with?

If something doesn’t feel right, stop. Hang up, close the message and contact the organization directly using a trusted phone number or official app.

If you think you’ve been scammed, don’t be embarrassed—and don’t wait, contact your financial institution as soon as possible.

For additional information and resources, visit our Fraud Prevention page or contact Midwest Heritage at 800-782-0521.