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Holiday Alert: Watch Out for AI-Powered Scams
The holidays should be about joy – not fraud. Unfortunately, scammers are getting more sophisticated, and this year they’re using artificial intelligence (AI) to impersonate bank and credit union employees and trick people into sharing sensitive information. According to the FBI, these scams have already cost victims over $262 million in 2025 alone.
What Are AI-Powered Credit Union Scams?
AI technology allows criminals to create convincing voices, emails, and even video messages that look and sound like real bank representatives. These scams often start with a phone call, text, or email claiming there’s suspicious activity on your account. The message sounds urgent and official, making you feel like you need to act immediately.
Once scammers gain your trust, they ask for login credentials or personal details. In some cases, they’ll send links to fake websites or ask you to download software. After they have your information, they quickly transfer your money to accounts they control — often using cryptocurrency to make the funds harder to trace.
Why Are These Scams So Dangerous?
- They sound real: AI-generated voices and emails mimic real employees.
- They create urgency: Scammers pressure you to act fast, leaving little time to think.
- They’re hard to detect: Deepfake technology makes fake messages look authentic.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unexpected calls, texts, or emails about your account
- Urgent requests for passwords or personal details
- Links or attachments from unknown sources
- Claims that you’ll be transferred to law enforcement or a “fraud department”
How to Protect Yourself This Holiday Season
Staying safe online is more important than ever. Here are practical steps you can take:
- Be skeptical of surprise messages
If someone contacts you unexpectedly about your account, pause before responding. - Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an extra layer of security that scammers can’t easily bypass. - Go directly to your bank’s official website
Don’t click on links in emails or texts. Type the URL yourself or use a saved bookmark. - Monitor your accounts regularly
Check your statements and set up alerts for unusual activity. - Keep your devices updated
Install the latest security patches on your phone, computer, and apps.
What to Do If You’re Targeted
If something feels off, trust your instincts. Hang up, delete the message, and contact your bank using the number on your statement or their official website. You can also report scams to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
Stay Safe and Enjoy the Holidays
Scammers are counting on the holiday rush to catch you off guard. By staying alert and following these tips, you can keep your finances secure and focus on what really matters – celebrating with family and friends.
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