Safeguarding Your Investments: How to Protect Yourself from AI Scams

As technology continues to advance, so do the tactics used by scammers. One area of concern is the rise of AI (artificial intelligence) scams, where fraudsters use AI to trick unsuspecting individuals into giving away their money or personal information.

AI uses new technology to create convincing and personalized messages that deceive individuals into taking certain actions. These actions often involve disclosing sensitive information, such as passwords or financial details, or making payments to fraudulent entities. With technology, even someone’s voice can be manipulated to impersonate an individual.

Common Types of AI Scams

Phishing Scams: Scammers use AI to create emails or messages that appear to be from legitimate organizations, such as banks or government agencies. These messages often contain links or attachments that, when clicked, can install malware on your device or lead you to a fake website designed to steal your information. You may be thinking, I can tell the difference between a real email from my bank vs. a scammer but they can make fake emails look exactly like one you would receive from your bank. Differentiating between a scam email and a real one can be challenging, but there are some common signs to look out for:

• Sender's Email Address: Check the sender's email address. Scam emails often come from addresses that look like legitimate ones but may have slight variations or use free email services.
• Grammar and Spelling: Scam emails often contain grammar or spelling mistakes, which are less likely to be present in legitimate emails from reputable sources.
• Urgency and Threats: Scam emails often create a sense of urgency or use threats to pressure you into taking immediate action, such as providing personal information or clicking on links.
• Suspicious Links: Be cautious of links in emails, especially if they ask you to log in to an account or provide personal information. Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking.
• Unsolicited Attachments: Avoid opening attachments in emails from unknown senders, as they may contain malware or viruses.
• Request for Personal Information: Legitimate companies typically do not request sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, via email.
• Generic Greetings: Scam emails often use generic greetings like "Dear Customer" instead of addressing you by name.
• Too Good to Be True Offers: Be wary of emails offering unbelievable deals or opportunities, as they may be phishing attempts.

Robocall Scams: AI-powered robocalls can mimic human voices and engage in conversations to trick individuals into providing personal information or making payments. These calls may appear to be from government agencies, financial institutions, or tech support services. Here are a few signs to watch out for:

• Immediate Response or Silence: When you answer the phone, you may hear a brief silence before a recorded message begins, or the message may start immediately after you pick up. This is a common sign of a robocall.
• Generic or Automated Voice: Robocalls often use a synthetic or pre-recorded voice that sounds robotic or unnatural. The voice may also lack the intonation and inflection of a human speaker.
• No Interaction: Robocalls are typically one-way communications, meaning there is no opportunity for you to interact with the caller. If you try to speak or ask questions, the recording may not respond appropriately.
• Caller ID Spoofing: Some robocalls use caller ID spoofing to display a fake or misleading phone number on your caller ID. This can make it appear as though the call is coming from a local or familiar number.
• Unsolicited or Unexpected Calls: If you receive a call from a number, you don't recognize or weren't expecting, it may be a robocall. These calls often involve telemarketing or scam attempts.
• Repeated Calls: Robocalls may call repeatedly, even after you've blocked the number or opted out of receiving further calls. This persistence is a common tactic used by telemarketers and scammers.
• Automated Message Prompts: If you receive a recorded message asking you to press a button or dial a number to speak to a representative or be removed from a list, it's likely a robocall. Legitimate companies typically do not use automated messages in this manner.

Social Media Scams: Scammers use AI to gather information about individuals from social media and other online sources. They then use this information to personalize their scams, making them appear more credible and convincing. Detecting a social media scam can be challenging, but there are some common signs to watch out for:

• Unusual Friend Requests or Messages from Friends: If you receive a friend request or message from someone you're already connected with, verify their identity before responding, as their account may have been compromised.
• Unsolicited Messages: Be wary of messages from strangers or accounts you don't recognize, especially if they're offering you something that seems too good to be true.
• Fake Profiles: Scammers often create fake profiles to lure victims. Look out for profiles with few friends, no posts, or posts that seem automated or copied from elsewhere.
• Requests for Personal Information: Legitimate companies rarely ask for personal information (such as passwords, bank details, or Social Security numbers) through social media. Be cautious if you're asked to provide such information.
• Phishing Links: Scammers may send links that appear to be from legitimate websites but actually lead to phishing sites designed to steal your information. Hover over any links to see the actual URL before clicking.
• Impersonation of Trusted Brands: Scammers may impersonate well-known companies or brands to gain your trust. Always verify the authenticity of such messages through official channels.
  

Tips to Protect Yourself from AI Scams

• Verify the Source: Always verify the source of any communication before taking any action. Contact the organization directly using contact information from their official website or other trusted sources.
• Don’t Click the Link: Make your initial reaction that every e-mail request or link is fraudulent. Think about the e-mail, the attachment, or any links, and consider whether it makes sense. If you have any doubt – “don’t click it.” Make a phone call, e-mail a colleague, or use other methods to verify this information is legitimate.
• Slow down: Most scams and fraudulent activity prey on us being busy, inundated with too much information, and moving too fast. Try to slow down when you are interacting with e-mails, phone calls, texts, and online.
• Choosing a Code Word: If possible, consider using a code word that you and the other party have agreed on. That way it can add an extra layer of protection against an audio scammer impersonating someone you know.
• Be Wary of Unsolicited Messages: Be cautious of unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls, especially if they contain urgent requests or offers that seem too good to be true.
• Keep Your Software Updated: Ensure your computer, smartphone, and other devices are up to date with the latest security patches and software updates to protect against malware and other threats.
• Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts and enable two-factor authentication where possible to add an extra layer of security.
• Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest scams and techniques used by fraudsters. Share this information with friends and family to help them stay safe as well.
• Use Antivirus Software: Install reputable antivirus software on your devices to detect and remove malware and other threats.
• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts and proceed with caution.

What to Do if You Fall Victim to an AI Scam

If you believe you've fallen victim to an AI scam, take the following steps immediately:

• Contact Your Financial Institution: If you've provided financial information, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to report the situation.
• Report the Scam: Report the scam to the relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
• Monitor Your Accounts: Monitor your bank accounts, credit card statements, and credit reports regularly for any unauthorized activity. Many scammers who have gained access to your financial accounts will make small purchases to sights that don’t seem out of the ordinary. Then if not caught they will continue to make larger purchases until you notice a fraudulent charge.
• Update Your Security Measures: Review and update your security measures, such as passwords and antivirus software, to prevent future scams.

Protecting yourself from AI scams requires caution and awareness. By staying informed, verifying sources, and using strong security measures, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to these sophisticated scams and safeguard your investments and personal information.