As technology evolves, so do the tactics used by scammers. One rapidly growing threat involves deepfakes—audio, video, or images that have been digitally altered or generated using artificial intelligence to appear real. These realistic forgeries are increasingly used by criminals to impersonate loved ones, public officials, or trusted organizations in order to steal money or personal information.

Red Flags of a Deepfake Scam – Be extra cautious if you notice:

• Unexpected requests for money, passwords, or personal information
• Emotional manipulation, fear, or a sudden sense of urgency
• Communication that seems unusual or out of character for the person contacting you

Tips to Stay Safe:

• Stop and think: Are you being pressured to act quickly or share personal information?
• Verify identities: Use trusted phone numbers, websites, or reverse-image search tools before responding.
• Create code words: Establish a phrase with loved ones to confirm they’re truly the ones contacting you.
• Limit your digital footprint: Photos, videos, and voice clips can be used to build deepfake models.

Source: ABA

Your safety and financial well-being are our top priorities. If you suspect you may have fallen victim to a scam or encountered any suspicious activity/requests, contact your local First Federal Savings Bank branch or our fraud department immediately at (812) 492-8200.