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AI Scams Have Arrived: What You Need to Know

Date: July 28, 2025
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Technology is moving faster than ever, and scammers are keeping pace. With the rise of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), fraudsters now have access to powerful new tools that can make their schemes even more convincing.

At Wright-Patt Credit Union® (WPCU®), we’re keeping a close eye on AI-driven fraud trends. To help you protect yourself, we’re sharing some common red flags to look for and tips for avoiding an AI scam.

What’s the Real Risk of AI Scams?

With the help of AI tools, criminals are creating convincing scams at an alarming rate. In just a few short years, the widespread availability of AI has contributed to an 80% increase in fraud.

Around 1 in 3 scams utilizing AI are successful because they are so realistic. In fact, Americans lost over $108 million to scams involving AI in the past year. The risks are real, but one of the best ways to protect yourself is by staying informed.

Examples of AI-powered Scams

How exactly are scammers using AI? Let’s take a look at a few real-world examples:

  • Phishing Emails and Texts: Scammers are using AI to scrape information from the web and create highly personalized phishing attacks. These legitimate-looking emails and text messages appear to come from trusted sources and may even include your name or personal details, such as your job title or recent purchases. The goal is to get you to click a link or share sensitive information, like your login credentials.
  • Voice Cloning: Scammers can use AI to mimic someone’s voice with shocking accuracy. They may pull audio examples from a voicemail, a recorded phone call or a social media video. The cloned voice can then be manipulated to say whatever the scammer wants. For example, victims may receive an urgent phone call that sounds like their boss or a loved one asking for help or money.
  • Phony Chatbots: Scammers are using AI to set up websites with fake chatbots that appear to be from familiar companies, including banks, retailers and utility providers. While “assisting” you, the chatbot is really trying to steal your information by asking for your login credentials, account number or payment details.
  • Deepfake Scams: Scammers are carrying out schemes using highly realistic AI photos and videos that appear to be real people, including celebrities and public figures. For example, a scammer might create a fake video of a CEO instructing employees to wire money, or a well-known celebrity asking for donations to a bogus charity.

Quick Tips for Avoiding AI Scams

With AI, it’s not always easy to tell what’s real and what’s fake. We encourage all our members to stay vigilant and use cybersecurity best practices to protect themselves.

  • Be skeptical of unexpected messages, even if they appear to be from trusted sources and use your name. Don’t click suspicious links or download attachments.
  • Don’t panic if you receive a call from a loved one that feels urgent, scary or confusing. Hang up and call them directly. It’s a good idea to have a “safe” word or phrase — something only you and your loved ones know to say to verify their identity in an emergency.
  • Pause to verify if a phone call, email, text message or social media post is from a legitimate source before acting. If something feels off, go directly to the source’s official website or contact them using a verified phone number. Don’t trust the links or contact info provided in the message itself.
  • Create strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible.
  • Stay up-to-date on the latest fraud tactics, including AI scams. Be sure to visit our Fraud Prevention page regularly for scam alerts, tips and tools.

Stay Ahead of the Scammers. We’re With You!

Now more than ever, it’s important to be proactive about protecting your money and your privacy. At WPCU, we want to help you stay educated so you can better protect yourself from fraud and enjoy greater peace of mind.

If you have questions or believe you’re a victim of fraud, contact us right away or visit a Member Center. We’re always here to help!​