The “Grandparent Scam” Gets an AI Upgrade

A familiar scam may now come with an unfamiliar level of realism.

Using a short audio sample found online, criminals can use AI technology to create a voice that sounds like a child, grandchild, or other loved one. The caller may claim there has been an accident, arrest, medical emergency, or other crisis and insist that money is needed immediately. Voice cloning can make these family-emergency scams far more convincing.

If you receive an alarming call from someone claiming to be a relative, hang up and contact that person directly using a number you already know. Families may also want to choose a private family “safe word” that can be used to verify a real emergency.

Tech Support Scams Are After More Than Your Computer

A pop-up warning says your computer has been hacked. A phone number appears with instructions to call “Microsoft,” “Apple,” or another familiar company immediately.

That phone number may connect directly to a scammer.

The Federal Trade Commission says legitimate technology companies do not unexpectedly call, email, or text people to report a computer problem, and genuine security pop-ups will not tell you to call a phone number. Some newer schemes go further: after claiming your computer is compromised, the scammer may pretend your bank or retirement accounts are also at risk and instruct you to transfer money to a supposedly “safe” account.

Never give an unexpected caller remote access to your device, share a verification code, or transfer money because someone says it is necessary to “protect” your funds.

Beware of Fake Medicare “Updates”

Scammers also take advantage of trusted programs such as Medicare. A caller might claim you need a new Medicare card, must confirm information to keep your benefits, or need to provide your Medicare Number for an account “update.”

Medicare advises consumers not to give their Medicare Number or other personal information to someone who contacts them unexpectedly. Medicare will not make an unsolicited call asking for private information, and anyone threatening to cancel your benefits unless you provide information or money should immediately raise suspicion.

If you are unsure whether a Medicare request is legitimate, hang up and contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) directly.

Watch for the “Move Your Money to Protect It” Scam

One increasingly costly impersonation tactic begins with a frightening warning: someone hacked your bank account, your Social Security number is connected to a crime, or your savings are about to be stolen.

The scammer then offers a solution: move the money.

Scammers may impersonate bank employees or government officials and instruct victims to transfer funds, withdraw cash, buy cryptocurrency or gold, or send money elsewhere for “safekeeping.” Legitimate banks and government agencies will not tell you to move money this way to protect it.

Slow Down, Verify, and Stay Connected

Many scams depend on the same ingredients: fear, urgency, secrecy, and unexpected requests for money or information. Before acting, stop and verify the story independently. Call a trusted family member or the organization involved using contact information you know is legitimate.

Consumers National Bank will never request confidential information such as your account number, password, or other sensitive information through an unsolicited phone call, email, or text message.

Consumers National Bank customers can also use Online Banking Alerts to receive notifications about transactions, debit card use, account balances, security activity, and other account events, giving you another way to spot unusual activity quickly.

If something does not feel right, contact us online, call us at (330) 868–7701 or toll-free at (800) 948-1262, or visit your local branch. When it comes to fraud, taking a few extra minutes to verify a request can help protect years of hard-earned savings.