It starts with something small—a quick phone call, a simple email, or a message that seems routine. But within minutes, the situation can turn urgent. Maybe someone you trust needs immediate help, or your account appears to be at risk. Moments like these are exactly what scammers are counting on, and with the help of artificial intelligence, it’s getting harder than ever before to spot them. At Legacy Bank, we believe awareness is your first line of defense, and understanding how these scams work can help you better protect your finances. Here are some simple ways to avoid common AI scams!

What Makes AI Scams Different?

It’s often easy to spot traditional scams, as they rely on obvious red flags like poor grammar, strange email addresses, or unrealistic stories. Now, with advancements in AI technologies, scammers can generate polished messages, clone voices, and create realistic videos of people who may not actually exist. These tactics are designed to build trust quickly, pushing you to act before you have time to think. In many cases, the goal is simple: to encourage you to share personal information or send money. Common examples of these new tactics include:

• Voice Cloning Calls: Scammers can replicate the voice of someone you know using a short audio sample, making urgent requests sound realistic.
• Deepfake Videos: AI-generated videos can make it appear as though a trusted person is endorsing an investment or requesting sensitive information.
• AI-Generated Emails and Texts: Messages sound more natural and professional, often mimicking the tone of banks, retailers, or even your employer.

How to Protect Yourself

Pause Before You React
Scammers rely on urgency. Whether it’s a phone call or a message, the goal is to get you to act quickly without fully thinking it through. If something feels rushed or high-pressure, take a step back and give yourself a few minutes to think. Even the slightest pause can help you evaluate the situation more clearly and avoid making any rash decisions.

Verify the Source
If you receive a request involving money, personal information, or account access, don’t respond right away, even if it appears to come from your bank or someone you trust. Instead, reach out to that business or individual using a verified phone number or website you already know is legitimate. A quick double-check, while it may seem annoying at the time, can prevent a much bigger problem in the future.

Be Cautious With Unexpected Messages
Even the most well-written emails or texts can be scams. If you weren’t expecting to hear from someone, or the message feels slightly out of place, trust your initial instinct. It’s always better to double-check than assume it’s safe!

Avoid Clicking Unknown Links
Links and attachments are one of the easiest ways for scammers to gain access to your information. Instead of clicking directly from a message, go to the company’s official website or app yourself. This small step adds an extra layer of protection that can significantly reduce your chances of falling victim to an AI scam.

Scan for Inconsistencies
AI-generated content can be very convincing, but it’s not always perfect. You might notice slight delays in a voice, unnatural movements in a video, or wording that feels just a little off. Catching these small details can make a big difference in protecting your information.

Check Your Accounts
Regularly reviewing your bank and credit card activity can help you catch suspicious behavior early. If something doesn’t look right, report it as soon as possible, as acting quickly helps limit potential damage.

If Something Doesn’t Feel Right, Reach Out

Even with the best precautions, scams can still be difficult to spot, especially as technology continues to evolve. If you ever feel unsure about a message, phone call, or request involving your finances, it’s always better to check. At Legacy Bank, our team is here to help you navigate situations like these! If you feel you may have fallen victim to a scam, we encourage you to contact us directly or visit your local branch. We can help verify the situation, secure your accounts if needed, and guide you on the next steps.