Artificial Intelligence scams: What are they? And how can you protect yourself from them?
As technology is changing, so are the ways fraudsters deploy scams.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) scams are currently on the rise. This scam happens when a fraudster uses AI to clone the voice of a loved one or loved ones, then calls using the voice, pretending to be desperate for money to get out of trouble or danger. This call is usually followed by a second call from the fraudster who then claims to be a public defender, law enforcement agent, or an attorney for your loved one. They request money to help your loved one and ask you to send the funds through wire transfers, gift cards, payment apps, or cryptocurrency.
Meant to play on emotion, these calls can be very convincing. If you should receive a call like this, try not to panic, don’t immediately believe the claim. Instead, ask questions that only your real loved one would know or hang up and call your loved one at a number you know to be theirs. If you can’t reach them, try other measures to contact them before assuming the call is real. We also encourage you to take precautions on what you share on social media. Fraudsters use this information to learn about you and your loved ones.
If you have been a victim of a scam or spot a scam, please call Soarion Credit Union or report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
• Go online: www.ftc.gov
• Call the FTC at 1-877-FTC-Help
