Protecting our members is our top priority. As technology advances, unfortunately, so do the tactics of scammers. Recently, we’ve seen a major rise in scams that use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create fake audio, video and images—also known as “deepfakes.” These AI scams and deepfakes can be so convincing that even cautious people have been tricked.
According to the Federal Reserve, deepfake attacks have increased twentyfold over the last three years. Criminals now use AI to impersonate trusted individuals like bank employees, government officials or even family members. They may call or send messages that sound alarmingly real, often creating a sense of urgency to trick you into sending money or giving away sensitive information.
Some examples of deepfake scams include:
- A call or video from someone claiming to be from your financial institution, urgently asking for payment to “protect your account.”
- A message that sounds like a loved one, saying they are in trouble and need money immediately. These can happen to anyone, but often target grandparents.
- An email that appears to come from a government agency demanding immediate action to avoid penalties.
Defend Against AI Deepfakes
Because these scams can be hard to spot, it’s important to pause and verify before acting. Here are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Don’t trust a call, email, text or video just because it looks real. Scammers can “spoof” phone numbers and email addresses.
- Validate the caller’s identity. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Freedom Credit Union, it’s OK to hang up and contact us using the number on your bank card, (413) 739-6961 or (800) 821-0160.
- Be cautious with urgent requests. Scammers rely on emotions and fear to pressure you. Take a moment to breathe and think before you act.
- Verify with another source. If you receive a call or email from someone claiming to be a government official, don’t be intimidated. Contact the agency directly using a number from their official website.
- Have a family “safe word.” Create a secret word with loved ones that they can use in emergencies to confirm it’s really them.
Remember, your security is important to us. We will never call or send an email, text or voicemail requesting you to reply to an email or call to update or verify financial account information. If you ever feel unsure or suspect something isn’t right, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly. We are here to help!