The phone rings, and the voice on the other end sounds exactly like your daughter. She’s panicked, saying she’s been in an accident and needs money right away. You’re ready to help—but in reality, it isn’t her at all. It’s a scammer using artificial intelligence (AI) to clone her voice.
This type of fraud, once unthinkable, is becoming more common. AI now allows scammers to create convincing voices, images, and even websites that look real. These tools make scams harder to detect and more dangerous.
How Scammers Use AI
- Cloned Voices: Copying someone’s speech from a short recording to impersonate them over the phone.
- Deepfake Videos and Photos: AI-generated images or videos of people saying or endorsing things they never did.
- Fake Investment Opportunities: AI-generated websites and testimonials that promise high returns but are designed to steal money.
Red Flags to Watch For
- You’re pressured to act immediately.
- Payment is requested through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
- The caller or sender insists you keep it a secret.
- An offer seems too good to be true.
- Caller ID, emails, or websites look slightly “off” or unfamiliar.
- Messages include links to log in or “confirm details”—these can lead to fake sites designed to steal your information.
What You Can Do
- Verify Before You Act: Hang up and call the person directly on a number you know.
- Use a Family Code Word: A phrase known only to your family can confirm if a call is real.
- Check Websites Carefully: Type addresses directly into your browser, look for misspellings, and confirm you’re on a legitimate site.
- Don’t Click Unknown Links: Avoid clicking on links in unexpected emails or texts. Visit the site directly instead.
- Be Cautious with Unexpected Requests: Especially if they involve money or personal information.
- Report Suspected Fraud: If you’re concerned, contact F&M Bank or law enforcement right away.
AI may give scammers new tricks, but the warning signs haven’t changed. If something doesn’t feel right, pause before responding. F&M Bank is here to help you protect your money and your peace of mind. Visit our Security Center for more tips.