What You Need to Know About AI-Driven Scams V1

What You Need to Know About AI-Driven Scams

 

The explosion of generative AI has made fraud more convincing than ever. From deepfake videos to cloned voices, criminals now have tools that make their scams look and sound surprisingly real. These tactics are being used in phishing emails, fake investment pitches, and even phone calls from what appears to be a trusted contact. The result is a fraud landscape where traditional “gut checks” may no longer cut it. 

 

Here’s the good news: while AI scams are evolving, the steps to protect yourself remain fairly straightforward. With a few practical habits, such as verifying information before acting and slowing down when pressured, you can reduce your risk and keep your finances safe. Understanding the most common scams and their red flags can help you stay a step ahead of scammers. 

 

Note: Old National will never call, text or email you and ask you for your personal account information.  We will also never rush, pressure or badger you about codes, usernames or passwords. 

 

Common AI-driven scams to watch for

 

AI-generated videos (“Deepfakes”)

 

AI-generated videos, or “deepfakes,” can convincingly place someone’s likeness into a situation they were never in. Scammers are using this technology to fabricate endorsements from public figures, manipulate video calls, or spread false information. For example, you might see what looks like a trusted company executive promoting a fake investment, or a personal video message urging you to take immediate action.

 

If you see a video of a public figure that seems suspicious, check whether it’s also posted on verified social media channels or websites. If it only appears in one place, that’s a red flag. For video calls or messages sent directly to you, be cautious if the person seems out of character, avoids answering specific questions, or insists on moving quickly to a transaction. You can also look for subtle visual glitches: unnatural blinking, mismatched lip-syncing, or odd lighting can all signal manipulation. When in doubt, confirm via email or by calling the person/organization directly before trusting what you’ve seen.

 

Voice cloning scams

 

With just a short audio sample (which can be pulled from a social media post or voicemail), scammers can create a near-perfect replica of someone’s voice. They often use this to impersonate a loved one in distress over the phone. Because the voice sounds so real, victims may act before thinking. Voice cloning can be harder to spot than a deepfake video, but unnatural pauses and a flat or inconsistent tone are giveaways. If you receive an unexpected call like this, pause and verify before sending money. Hang up and call the person back on a trusted number to confirm the story.

 

Phishing emails

 

AI has made phishing harder to spot. The days of obvious typos and broken English are gone, as generative AI tools can now craft emails and texts that look polished and professional. These messages can mimic banks, delivery companies, or even government agencies, asking you to click a link or provide sensitive information. Always hover over links before clicking to verify the URL address, and remember that legitimate organizations won’t pressure you to hand over personal details by email or text. If you’re unsure, type the web address directly into your browser instead of clicking a link.

 

Too-Good-To-Be-True Investments

 

Always be wary of investments that sound too perfect. AI can help scammers generate convincing financial pitches, complete with fake charts, data, and testimonials. These “opportunities” often promise unusually high returns with little or no risk, which is a classic hallmark of fraud. They may come through email, social media, or even what looks like a professional website. Take time to research the offer and confirm the company’s registration with regulators before committing any funds.

 

Red Flags that Signal a Scam

 

While AI has made scams harder to spot, there are still general warning signs that should make you pause before acting. Keep these red flags in mind whenever you receive an unexpected message, call, or offer:

• Unusual urgency. Scammers want you to act fast so you don’t have time to think. Be cautious if you’re pressured to make an immediate decision or payment.
• Requests for secrecy. If someone asks you not to tell anyone (especially about sending money or sharing personal details), that’s a strong warning sign.
• Suspicious payment methods. Demands for gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers are almost always tied to fraud.
• Inconsistencies in details. Look closely at email addresses, phone numbers, or logos. If they look slightly off, it’s a sign of a fake.
• Unbelievable deals. Whether it’s an investment with guaranteed returns or a prize you don’t remember entering for, unrealistic promises are classic scam tactics.
• Emotional manipulation. Fraudsters often use fear, guilt, or excitement to cloud judgment, such as pretending a loved one is in danger or dangling a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

 

Staying alert to these patterns can help you cut through even the most convincing AI-generated attempts. If something feels off, stop and double-check before you act.

 

How to Protect Yourself

 

Even as AI makes scams more convincing, a few simple habits can go a long way toward keeping your money and information safe.

 

• Pause before you act. Scammers rely on urgency to push people into mistakes. Take a moment to breathe and think before clicking a link or sending money.

• Verify through a trusted source. If you get a suspicious message, call the person or organization back using a phone number or website you know is legitimate. Never use the contact provided in the message.

• Strengthen your security. Use strong, unique passwords, enable multifactor authentication, and keep your devices and software up to date.

• Limit personal information online. Scammers often scrape social media for voice clips, photos, or personal details to make their scams more convincing. Review your privacy settings and think twice before sharing.

 

AI may be changing the way scams are carried out, but you don’t have to be caught off guard. Staying alert to red flags and verifying information before acting can make all the difference. For additional tools and resources, such as debit card controls, fraud monitoring, and identity protection, visit Old National’s Fraud Prevention Hub, where you’ll find practical guidance and free safeguards to help you stay even safer.

 

As a final reminder, if you ever have any questions about the safety of your Old National accounts, don't talk, text or email with a stranger. Instead call us directly at 800-731-2265. We'll always be happy to help.