What Is the AI Impersonation Scam?

New technologies can make life easier and scams more challenging to spot. Criminals are now using artificial intelligence (AI) to create fake audio or video messages that sound and look like real people. These “deepfakes” are being used to impersonate family members, coworkers, and even financial institutions, all to trick victims into sending money or sharing personal information.

How the Scam Works

Using publicly available video or audio clips, scammers use AI tools to mimic a person’s voice or appearance. They may create a fake voicemail or live video call from someone you trust, claiming an emergency or urgent financial need. These messages often ask you to quickly transfer money, share a security code, or provide personal details. Because the voice or video looks so real, it can be both compelling and dangerous.

Example of the Scam

Sophia gets a call from someone who sounds exactly like her grandson. He says he’s been in an accident while traveling and needs money wired right away to pay hospital bills. The voice is so close to his that Sophia sends the money without question. Later, she finds out her grandson was never in trouble; it was a scammer using AI-generated audio to fake the call.

Tips to Protect Yourself From the AI Impersonation Scam

• Be skeptical of urgent requests. Even if the voice or video looks familiar, pause and double-check before taking action.
• Use a known contact method. If a friend or family member reaches out with an emergency request, call them back using a number you know is real.
• Set a family code word. A pre-agreed code word can help you confirm whether a message is from someone you trust.
• Limit what you share online. Scammers use social media to gather voice and video samples. Consider tightening your privacy settings.
• Contact us directly. If someone claims to represent us and asks you to take quick action, hang up and call us using our official number.

If You’ve Been Scammed

If you’ve been tricked by an AI-generated voice or video, follow these essential tips:

• Contact us and any other financial institutions you work with. If your account information has been compromised, or if you have mistakenly given money to a scam, let us know.
• Report the scam to the FTC. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.FTC.gov. Also, inform your local law enforcement.
• Report the scam to the state attorney general. You can find information at NAAG.org.
• Warn others. Let family and friends know so they can watch for similar scams.