Technology is making life easier in many ways, but it is also giving scammers new tools. One of the fastest-growing threats today is the use of artificial intelligence to create fake voices and videos that sound and look surprisingly real. Criminals are using these tools to impersonate family members, company executives, financial professionals, and even government officials.
Imagine receiving a call from your son or daughter asking for emergency money after a car accident. Or seeing a video on social media of a well-known financial expert promoting a new investment opportunity.
The problem? It may not be real. Deepfake technology allows criminals to create realistic audio and video using only a few samples collected from social media, online videos, or public recordings. These scams are becoming increasingly convincing and harder to identify at first glance.
Red Flags
- Urgent requests for money
- Emotional stories designed to create panic
- Requests for wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
- Video or voice messages asking you to bypass normal verification steps
- Investment opportunities that seem too good to be true
How to Protect Yourself
Before sending money or sharing information:
- Pause.
- Verify through a separate communication channel.
- Ask questions only the real person would know.
- Call the individual directly using a trusted phone number.
- Contact your financial institution if something feels suspicious.
At Mid Oregon, we encourage members to trust their instincts. Scammers want quick reactions. Taking even a few minutes to verify can make all the difference.
If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email involving your accounts, contact Mid Oregon directly. Call or Text at 541-382-1795, or use messaging in side of Digital Banking.
For more tips on protecting your personal information, visit Mid Oregon’s Security and Fraud Page: https://ow.ly/hjHm50V9XE1 [ow.ly].
