Don’t Let AI Scammers Outsmart You

Fraudsters are always looking for new ways to get your personal and financial information, and now they’ve added artificial intelligence (AI) to their bag of tricks. Scammers are using it to create and send realistic emails, texts, and even phone calls, impersonating trusted brands, like PSECU, to trick you into handing over sensitive information.

Don’t worry – we’re here to help you stay one step ahead. Let’s break it down.

What Are AI Scams?

AI scams use advanced technology to create messages and calls that seem legit – sometimes too legit. For instance, scammers can generate emails that look like they’re from us, texts with urgent warnings about your account, or even fake phone calls that appear to come from PSECU or another brand and sound like a real person on the other end. It’s next-level trickery, but you can avoid the trap if you know what to look for.

How to Spot an AI Scam

AI-powered scams are designed to trick you, but there are some telltale signs that can help you spot them before it’s too late. Here’s what to look for:

• The sender seems off. Fraudulent emails or text messages might look official, but pay close attention to the details. Is the email address from a legitimate source? Are there spelling errors, weird phrases, or unusual links? For example, an email from “support@psecumembers.com” is fake – most PSECU emails come from “@hello.psecu.com” or simply "@psecu.com.”
• It’s urgent – or threatening. Scammers thrive on panic. Their messages often create a false sense of urgency, warning you to “ACT NOW!” or risk losing access to your account. This is a red flag. Legitimate organizations won’t pressure you to take immediate action through a message.
• The links don’t add up. Always hover over any links before clicking. Do they lead to the company’s official website, or do they direct you to a suspicious or misspelled URL? For example, “www.psecu-security-check.com” is NOT us.
• The tone feels off. AI-generated messages often miss the mark with tone or wording. If the message sounds overly formal, robotic, or just not quite right, trust your instincts.
• Requests for personal info. Be cautious of any message that asks for sensitive details like your account number, password, or one-time passcode. Also, be wary of any calls or messages that ask you to provide the last four digits of your Social Security number or the last four digits of your credit card number. We will never ask you to provide this through an email, text, or call that you don’t initiate. Simply, if you don’t call us first, we’re not asking for your info.
• Odd phone calls. Some scammers use AI-generated voice technology to impersonate brand representatives or loved ones who sound in distress. If a caller asks for personal details or insists on immediate action, hang up and contact the organization directly.

Simple Steps to Stay Safe

Protecting yourself from AI scams doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few proactive steps, you can outsmart fraudsters and keep your information safe.

• Set up account alerts. These real-time notifications  for transactions, password changes, and card limit increases can help you spot unusual activity as soon as it happens.
• Verify messages before responding. Don’t click links or share your information until you’ve verified the sender’s authenticity. You can always contact us directly.
• Update your devices and apps. Regular updates can help make sure that your software has the latest security features to block these threats.
• Use strong, unique passwords. Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts. Enable a password manager to keep track of them all.
• Enable multifactor authentication (MFA). Add an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, like a code sent to your phone or generated by an authentication app. If scammers can’t access this second step, they’re locked out.
• Report anything suspicious. If something doesn’t seem right, don’t ignore it. Forward any email impersonating PSECU to abuse@psecu.com (this inbox is for incoming messages only). You can also report any suspicious activity to us at 800.237.7328.

AI scams may sound high-tech, but they don’t stand a chance against someone who’s informed. By staying alert, setting up protections like account alerts and MFA, and keeping your devices updated, you’re ahead of the game.

For more ways to protect yourself, check out our Fraud Prevention page.