Artificial intelligence (AI) has made it easier than ever to copy someone’s voice or face. Creating a convincing fake identity once required extensive recordings and specialized expertise. Today, scammers can clone a voice using just a few seconds of audio and an inexpensive app. These fakes, known as deepfakes, are being used to impersonate family members, coworkers, and business leaders. In this blog, we will explain how deep-fake scams work, why they are becoming more common, and how you can protect yourself.
How Deepfake Impersonation Scams Work
A deepfake is AI-generated audio, video, or imagery designed to look or sound like a real person. Scammers use deepfakes to make their requests appear trustworthy. These requests are often urgent and may ask you to send money, share sensitive information, or grant access to an account.
For example, you may receive a call from what sounds like a family member claiming they’re in trouble and need money right away. At work, scammers may pose as a manager or member of the IT team and ask you to move funds or reset a password. Because the voice sounds familiar, it’s easy to act before stopping to verify the authenticity of the request for action.
Why Deep-fakes Are Easier to Create Than Ever
- There’s more public information about us online. Photos, videos, and voice recordings shared on social media can provide scammers with the material they need to create a convincing fake.
- The technology is harder to detect. Cloned voices and faces have become increasingly realistic and can now be used during live phone or video calls, not just in recordings.
- The tools are cheaper and more widely available. What once required a studio, and a specialist can now be done with affordable apps available to nearly anyone.
Ways to Protect Yourself
- Verify urgent requests through a trusted channel. Hang up and call the person or organization back using a number you already know or have saved. Don’t use the number provided in the message or call.
- Slow down when a request feels rushed. Scammers rely on urgency and authority to pressure people into acting quickly. Any request that asks you to bypass normal procedures should raise suspicion.
- Limit what you share publicly. Consider adjusting your social media privacy settings and being mindful of videos and voice recordings you post.
- Never share sensitive information with an unexpected caller. Needham Bank will never call and ask for your PIN. If you receive a call claiming to be from us, hang up and call our Customer Care Center directly.
- Never share your online banking credentials. Needham Bank will never ask for your username or password by phone, email, or text. Only enter this information directly through our secure online banking platform.
What Should You Do If You Think You’ve Been Targeted?
- If you shared financial information or sent money, contact your bank immediately.
- If the request comes through work, report it to your employer’s IT or security team, even if no action was taken. This can help them identify and prevent future attempts.
- Change the passwords for any accounts that may have been affected.
As AI technology continues to improve, seeing a face or hearing a familiar voice is no longer proof of someone’s identity. When a request feels urgent or out of character, take a moment to pause, call back, and verify before taking any action.
We’re Here to Help You Stay Protected
At Needham Bank, protecting your financial security is a priority. If you ever have concerns about activity on your account, don’t hesitate to call our Customer Care Center at 781-444-2100.
Looking for more ways to stay protected? Visit our Fraud Prevention Resources for tools, tips, and insights to help you recognize and avoid common scams.
