How Are Scammers Using AI? Here’s What You Should Know

By now, you’ve probably heard about Artificial Intelligence (AI). Maybe you’ve experimented with an AI tool for fun or use it for work. 

While AI can be helpful, in the wrong hands, it can be a powerful tool for deception. Scammers are using AI to make their tactics more realistic, more personalized and more difficult to spot. 

So, how are fraudsters using AI? Here are some real-world examples: 

AI Customer Service Representatives

Fraudsters are using AI-powered chatbots to mimic retailers, tech support and even financial institutions like Wright-Patt Credit Union® (WPCU®). 

Protect yourself: Only interact with customer service through official websites or phone numbers. A legitimate chatbot will never ask for sensitive information like your account login, credit card number or Social Security number.  

AI Romance Scams

Scammers are using AI to create very realistic-looking online dating profiles, using AI-generated images, messages and even videos and voice notes. Once a romance scammer gains your trust, they’ll often ask for money or personal data. 

Protect yourself: If a profile seems too good to be true or the individual tries to rush the relationship, be suspicious. Never send money, gift cards or cryptocurrency to someone you don’t know and haven’t met in person.  

AI Websites

AI makes it easy to create fake websites that look nearly identical to real ones, such as retailers, utility companies or even financial institutions. Fraudsters often use phishing emails and texts to trick people into entering personal or financial information on these phony sites.

Protect yourself: Avoid clicking links in unexpected emails or texts. Instead, go directly to the website. Double-check website URLs for spelling and look for “https” in the address bar.

AI Deepfakes

Scammers only need a few seconds of someone’s voice and appearance from a video or voicemail to create a realistic “deepfake” using AI tools. Then, they can use the deepfake in a phone call or video call to manipulate the person’s friends, family members or coworkers into sending money or sharing sensitive information. 

Protect yourself: Deepfakes aren't perfect. You may notice blurry edges, unnatural facial movements or audio that seems “off.” If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. Hang up and call your friend or family member directly.

New Tech. Same Techniques.  

While fraudsters now have advanced AI technology at their fingertips, the strategy behind their scams is nothing new. All scammers want you to act quickly and hand over your personal or financial information without thinking things through. 

That means you can protect yourself by doing the opposite. Pause. Think. Verify before acting or responding. 

If you’re contacted by someone who claims to be a trusted source and asks for your personal or financial information, slow down before doing or saying anything. 

Ask yourself: Why would this source need that information? What’s the urgency? Are they using fear tactics?

Then, verify. Contact the source directly through a trusted channel—like the company’s official phone number—and find out if they were actually trying to reach you. 

Remember: WPCU will NEVER text, call or email you asking for your password, PIN or personal/account information. This is something scammers do. 

If you suspect fraud or notice something unusual on your WPCU accounts, call the Member Help Center at (800) 762-0047 right away or visit your nearest Member Center. 

For more tips, visit our Fraud Prevention page. We’re With You!