October is Cyber Security month which, makes it the perfect time to talk about how AI is playing a greater role in fraud and scams. Phishing scams have been a prevalent form of online scams for a long time, but artificial intelligence is making them harder to recognize and putting you at a greater risk.

Phishing is a type of scam in which someone impersonates a trustworthy person or organization to trick you into giving sensitive information or clicking a link that gives them access to your device. While phishing most commonly happens through email or text messages, scammers can also use phone calls, fake websites, and social media.

Why AI-Enhanced Phishing is Harder to Spot:

1. More personal messages: Scammers can use information found online to create messages that are tailored specifically to you.

2.  Fewer red flags: With the help of AI, scammers can more easily weed out the old telltale signs of a scam. The messages are more professional-sounding with fewer spelling and grammatical mistakes.

3. Convincing fake images, voices, and videos: With the advancement of AI-generated content, scammers can create convincing images and videos. They can even mimic the voice of someone you know.

4. Adaptation: AI can help scammers adjust their tactics based on your behavior and responses. This allows them to create more targeted messages and continually improve their approach.

    How to Protect Yourself:

    • Look for unusual wording or writing style that seems different than the person the scammers are impersonating.
    • Think before clicking any links or downloading anything, even if they appear to be coming from someone you know. Scammers want you to act quickly and will often use urgent language. If a message, phone call, or request feels unusual, take a moment before responding.
    • Check the sender's email address to verify who it came from. Scammers often change one letter or number to make it more difficult to detect.
    • Verify unexpected requests. Call the organization or person and have them verify that the message is indeed from them.


    Remember, Town & Country Credit Union will NEVER call or text you and ask for confidential information such as your TCCU Online username, password, or a six-digit verification code. If you are asked for this information, hang up, and call us at 1-800-872-6358.

    Stay Alert. Stay Secure.