P&S Credit Union Wants to Keep You Safe from Scammers!

Signs of Voice-Cloning

• You are contacted unexpectedly
• You are pressured to act immediately
• The caller is asking for money, typically via gift card, payment app (Venmo, PayPal, etc.), or cryptocurrency. These methods make it nearly impossible to get a refund once you’ve been defrauded.
• The caller is requesting personal or confidential information.
• The caller requests you keep the interaction a secret.
• Odd speech patterns or inflections.

Protecting yourself from potential voice cloning.

• Ask questions: Caller ID can be fake. Though a scammer may sound like a loved one, they won’t be able to answer personal questions that only your loved one would know.
• Be skeptical. Hang up and call the person back but don’t just redial the number that called you, call them via a known number.
• Stop and think. Urgency is one of a scammer’s most powerful tools in getting you to act how they want. Taking a moment to consider the situation rationally allows you to take control of the situation
• Limit what you share on social media. Scammers will try to learn information about you and your loved ones through information shared online. Be mindful of what information you share and make your accounts private so only trusted friends can see your posts.

Signs of a Deepfake

• Look for signs of an altered video, such as jerky or unrealistic movements, shifts ins lighting or skin tone, strange or no blinking, and shadows around the eyes
• Listen for inconsistencies. Is the speaker doing something out of character like asking for money or information? Deepfake videos often feature odd word choices, stilted language, and choppy sentences.
• The caller requests money, usually urgently and through hard to trace methods like wire transfer, gift cards, payment apps, or cryptocurrency.

What to do

• Act the same way you would any time you think you may be getting scammed. Stop to think and be skeptical of any information. Find a way to research or verify the claims in the call or video.
• Flag the video. If you see the video on social media, you should report it to the platform
• Report the fraud. You can report scams online to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the FTC will use your report to investigate and bring cases against other frauds, scams, and bad actors.

If you have been defrauded
Scammers are going to do their best to make getting your money back difficult, but no matter how you paid the faster you act the better, the FTC makes the following recommendations:

• If you pay with a credit card or debit card, contact your credit card company or bank right away. Tell them what happened and ask for a “chargeback” to reverse the charges
• If you pay with a gift card, prepaid or cash reload card, contact the company that issued the card. Tell them you paid a scammer with the card and ask if they can refund your money. The sooner you contact them, the better the chance they’ll be able to get your money back.
• If you paid using a money transfer app, contact the company behind the app. If the app is linked to a credit or debit card, contact your credit card company or bank first.

In conclusion, as AI technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. It’s crucial to stay informed and proactive in protecting yourself from these sophisticated scams. By recognizing the signs of voice cloning and deep-fake manipulation, questioning urgent requests, and taking swift action should you fall victim, you can reduce the risk of being targeted. Remember, a moment of skepticism and careful consideration can make all the difference in safeguarding your personal information and finances in this digital age. Stay vigilant, stay aware, and don’t hesitate to report any suspicious ac