From voice-cloning to fake video calls, artificial intelligence (AI) is now being used by scammers to make fraud feel more real than ever before. These tools allow fraudsters to mimic voices, faces, and writing styles—making it harder to tell what’s legitimate and what’s not.
At Androscoggin Bank, we’re here to help you stay ahead of these new threats. Here’s what to watch for and how to protect yourself.
What Is AI-Powered Fraud?
AI-powered fraud refers to scams that use artificial intelligence tools—like deepfake video, voice cloning, and chatbot-powered phishing—to trick people into handing over money, personal information, or access to accounts. These tools can mimic real people or create content that looks and sounds convincing.
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), criminals are increasingly using AI to scale their attacks and bypass traditional warning signs.
Examples of AI-Powered Scams
🔊 Voice Cloning Scams
Fraudsters can now replicate someone’s voice with just a short audio clip—sometimes pulled from social media. Victims report receiving phone calls from what sounds like a family member or a trusted authority, urgently asking for money.
🎥 Deepfake Video Calls
Some scammers use AI to create fake video calls that look like a company executive, family member, or even a bank representative. These deepfakes may request wire transfers or access to sensitive information.
💬 Phishing with AI-Written Messages
AI tools can write professional, error-free emails, texts, and social media messages—making phishing attempts harder to spot. These messages may direct you to fake websites or ask you to “verify” your account.
📄 Synthetic Documents and Fake Bank Sites
Criminals are also using AI to generate fake checks, IDs, and even entire websites that look nearly identical to legitimate ones.
How to Protect Yourself
While these scams are more advanced, many of the same core safety tips still apply:
✅ Verify unexpected requests – If you receive an urgent request for money or information—especially through phone, video, or email—slow down and verify through a trusted contact method.
✅ Be cautious with personal info online – Limit how much personal content you share publicly, especially voice or video clips.
✅ Go straight to the source – Don’t click links in messages. Instead, type the bank’s web address directly into your browser or use our official mobile app.
✅ Use strong login protections – Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible for an added layer of security.
✅ Trust your instincts – If something feels off, pause. Scammers often create pressure or urgency to stop you from thinking clearly.
What We’re Doing at Androscoggin Bank
We continuously monitor for suspicious activity and update our security protocols to stay ahead of evolving threats—including those involving AI. Our team is also trained to spot the signs of fraud and support you if something doesn’t seem right.
If You Think You’ve Been Targeted
Contact us right away at 1-800-966-9172. We’re here to help you respond quickly and minimize any potential impact. You can also report suspicious activity to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
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