Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries, making everything from healthcare to banking smarter and more efficient. But like many powerful tools, AI can also be misused. Fraudsters are now harnessing AI technologies to create more convincing scams that are harder to detect, such as deepfakes, voice cloning, and personalized phishing attacks.

At Consumers National Bank, your security is our top priority. That’s why we’re shining a spotlight on these emerging threats to help you understand how they work—and more importantly, how you can protect yourself.

What Are Deepfakes and Voice Cloning?

Deepfakes are videos or images that have been digitally altered—often using AI—to realistically portray someone saying or doing something they never actually said or did. These fabrications can be incredibly lifelike and are increasingly being used to impersonate celebrities, politicians, and yes—even people like you.

Voice cloning uses AI to mimic someone’s voice with alarming accuracy. With just a short sample of someone speaking, fraudsters can generate audio that sounds exactly like them. This tech is now being used in scams where victims receive phone calls that appear to be from family members, coworkers, or financial institutions, urging them to transfer money or share sensitive information.

Real-World Examples of AI-Powered Scams

• The “Family Emergency” Call: A fraudster uses voice cloning to mimic a loved one, calling to say they’ve been in an accident or are in jail and need money urgently. These calls are emotionally manipulative and effective.
• CEO Impersonation Emails and Videos: Deepfake videos or AI-generated audio can impersonate a company executive asking employees to make a payment or transfer funds, especially effective in business email compromise scams.
• Social Media Deepfakes: Scammers can pull video and audio from your public social media profiles to create a deepfake that appears authentic. These are sometimes used in romance scams or investment fraud.

Why AI-Driven Fraud Is So Dangerous

AI gives scammers a dangerous advantage:

• Scalability: Once created, fake voices and videos can be used in mass campaigns.
• Believability: AI-generated content looks and sounds real, making it easier to deceive even skeptical targets.
• Speed: AI tools can generate personalized messages quickly, enabling rapid, targeted attacks.

How to Protect Yourself from Deepfakes and Voice Cloning

1. Be Skeptical of “Urgent” Requests

If someone—especially a loved one or colleague—calls or sends a message asking for money urgently, pause before acting. Hang up and call them back using a trusted number to confirm the request.

2. Limit Personal Information Online

Be mindful of what you post on social media, especially videos and audio. Fraudsters use public content to train AI tools to mimic your voice or likeness.

3. Use Safe Words with Family

Establish a unique “safe word” with close family members that only you would know. In the event of an emergency call, asking for the safe word can help verify authenticity.

4. Watch for Red Flags

AI-generated content can still have imperfections. Look for unnatural facial movements in videos, robotic speech patterns, or unusual background noise.

5. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

Even if someone gets your login info through a scam, multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a critical layer of protection that can stop fraud in its tracks.

Tools and Support from Consumers National Bank

Consumers National Bank offers a range of tools and services to help you stay one step ahead of fraud:

• Transaction Alerts: Get real-time notifications of account activity to spot suspicious behavior early.
• Identity Theft Monitoring: Ask us how we can help you keep an eye on your credit and personal data.
• Secure Communication Channels: We will never ask for sensitive information through unsecured methods like email or text.

If you receive a suspicious call, message, or video that appears to involve your bank accounts, don’t hesitate—contact us immediately. Our team is here to help verify the legitimacy of any communication and guide you through the next steps.

Stay Informed, Stay Safe

AI-powered scams may be getting more sophisticated, but so are the tools and knowledge available to fight back. By staying alert, asking questions, and taking a few simple precautions, you can outsmart even the most high-tech fraud attempts. At Consumers National Bank, we’re not just here to protect your finances—we’re here to empower you with the information and resources you need to stay safe in an evolving digital world.

Be sure to check in every third Friday of the month for our Fraud Friday series, because when it comes to fraud, awareness is your first line of defense. And if you ever have doubts or concerns, don’t wait—contact us right away. We’re here to help!