How Can Credit Union Members Combat AI Fraud?

 

AI is making scams more convincing, but credit union members can take simple steps to protect their money. Slow down when a message creates urgency, never share passwords or security codes, verify unexpected requests using trusted contact information, and monitor account activity with alerts. AI-generated voices, videos, emails, and texts can look real, so don't rely on appearance or sound alone. When something feels suspicious, stop and contact your credit union directly.

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Artificial intelligence is changing how we work, communicate, and manage our daily lives. Unfortunately, scammers are finding ways to use the same technology to make fraud more convincing. So, how can credit union members combat AI fraud?

The answer starts with something simple: slow down.

Imposter scams are another major concern. The FTC reported $3.5 billion in reported losses to imposter scams in 2025. Bank impersonation scams were among the costliest types of business impersonation reported to the agency.

You don't need to become a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself. A few smart habits can make it much harder for a scammer to trick you.

What is AI Fraud and How Does it Affect Credit Union Members?

AI fraud uses artificial intelligence to make scams more convincing, personalized, and easier to create. Criminals can use AI to generate realistic messages, copy voices, create fake videos, build false online profiles, and impersonate trusted people or organizations.

The FBI warns about the use of generative AI in financial fraud, including AI-generated audio, video, fake profiles, and personalized conversations. AI can also reduce some of the spelling, grammar, and other mistakes that once made scam messages easier to recognize.

For credit union members, this can take several forms. You might receive a text that appears to come from your financial institution. You could get a phone call that sounds like someone you know. You might even see a realistic video that appears to show a business executive or another trusted person.

OHecu has already warned members about scammers using spoofed phone numbers and messages that impersonate the credit union. You can review OHecu's fraud prevention tips to learn more about common warning signs.

The good news is that the basic rules of fraud prevention still apply. If someone unexpectedly asks for money, account information, a password, or a security code, stop before you respond.

How Can Credit Union Members Combat AI Fraud by Recognizing the Warning Signs?

Credit union members can recognize many AI-powered scams by looking at the request instead of simply trusting how convincing it sounds. Unexpected requests for money, passwords, account information, or security codes should always be treated carefully. Verify the request through a trusted phone number, website, or other official contact method.

One of the biggest changes with AI fraud is that scammers can make their messages sound much more natural. A polished email doesn't mean it's legitimate.

Be especially careful when a message:

• Creates a sense of urgency or fear.
• Says your account will be closed unless you act immediately.
• Asks you to click a link to "verify" your account.
• Requests a password, PIN, or one-time security code.
• Tells you to move money to a different account for "protection."
• Comes from an unexpected phone number or email address.
• Asks you to keep the conversation secret.

OHecu also provides information about protecting your accounts from fraud, including practical steps members can take to reduce their risk.

Don't Trust a Familiar Voice: Protect Yourself from AI Voice Scams

A familiar voice isn't proof that a caller is really who they claim to be. AI can create convincing copies of a person's voice, so members should independently verify unexpected requests for money or sensitive information before taking action.

Imagine receiving a call from someone who sounds exactly like a family member. They say they're in trouble and need money right away. Your first reaction may be to help.

That's exactly what a scammer wants.

The FBI warns that criminals can use AI-generated audio to impersonate loved ones and other trusted people. These scams can create an emergency and pressure the victim to act before there is time to think.

The FBI recommends creating a secret word or phrase with family members that can be used to verify their identity. It also recommends limiting public access to images and voice recordings when possible.

You can use a simple rule: verify first, act second.

If someone calls asking for money or sensitive information, hang up and call them back using a phone number you already have. Don't use the number provided during the suspicious call.

This same rule applies when someone claims to be calling from your credit union. If you're unsure whether a call is real, contact OHecu directly using a trusted source.

7 Practical Ways Credit Unions Members Can Combat AI Fraud

AI may change how scammers operate, but good account security still starts with everyday habits.

1. Slow down: Scammers want you to act before you have time to think. If a message says you must send money or provide information immediately, take a step back. A few extra minutes can give you time to verify the request.
2. Verify unexpected requests: Never assume a message is real because it uses your name, looks professional, or comes from a familiar number. Find the organization's contact information yourself. Then call or visit its official website rather than using a link or phone number provided in the suspicious message.
3. Never share passwords or security codes: Your password and one-time security codes help protect your accounts. Don't give them to someone who contacts you unexpectedly. If you're unsure about a message, contact your credit union directly.
4. Use multifactor authentication: Multifactor authentication, often called MFA, adds another layer of protection to an account. Instead of relying only on a password, MFA requires another way to confirm your identity. CISA recommends multifactor authentication because it can help protect an account even if a password has been compromised. Use MFA whenever it's available, especially for email and financial accounts.
5. Turn on account and card alerts: Alerts can help you spot activity you don't recognize. OHecu's Card Alerts can notify members about purchases and other card activity through text or email. Members can customize alerts based on the types of transactions they want to monitor. These notifications provide another way to notice suspicious activity quickly.
6. Monitor your accounts: Regularly checking your account can help you notice transactions that don't look right. OHecu's Online & Mobile Banking provides 24/7 access so members can review account activity and manage their finances. The sooner you notice something unusual, the sooner you can contact your financial institution.
7. Keep your passwords strong and unique: Don't reuse the same password across important accounts. If a scammer gets one password from a compromised website, that password could be used to try to access other accounts. Use long, unique passwords and consider using a trusted password manager to help keep track of them.

What Should Credit Unoin Members Do if AI Fraud Targets Their Account?

If you think you've responded to an AI-powered scam, contact your credit union as soon as possible using a trusted phone number or website. Secure any affected accounts, change compromised passwords, review recent transactions, and report the scam to the appropriate authorities.

Don't wait because you're embarrassed or unsure about what happened. Acting quickly gives you a better chance of limiting additional problems.

If you clicked a suspicious link, follow the instructions provided by your financial institution and consider changing the affected password. If you shared a one-time security code or other account information, tell your credit union what happened.

You should also review recent account and card activity. If you see a transaction you don't recognize, contact your financial institution promptly.

The FTC recommends reporting scams through ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report internet crime to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center through IC3.gov.

If you're an OHecu member and you're concerned about a suspicious message, call or contact OHecu directly. It's better to ask a question than to take a chance with your financial information.

Conclusion

AI is giving scammers new tools, but it doesn't have to make you an easier target. The most important steps are simple: slow down, verify unexpected requests, protect your account information, and monitor your finances.

Don't assume a familiar voice, professional-looking email, or convincing video is proof that someone is legitimate. AI can make a scam look real, so independent verification matters more than ever.

At OHecu, helping members protect their financial well-being is part of the "People helping People" philosophy. Staying informed is one more way to help protect yourself, your family, and your finances.

If you're unsure about a message, phone call, or transaction involving your OHecu account, don't respond to the suspicious communication. Contact OHecu directly using trusted contact information. We're here to help you protect your finances and make informed decisions about your money.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is AI fraud?

AI fraud is a scam that uses artificial intelligence to make fraudulent messages, voices, images, videos, or online profiles more convincing. The FBI's guidance on AI-enabled financial fraud provides examples of how criminals use generative AI to support scams.

How can I tell if a scammer is using AI?

You may not always be able to tell. AI-generated content can look and sound realistic, so focus on the request itself. Be cautious when someone creates urgency, asks for sensitive information, requests money, or tells you to bypass normal security steps. Verify the person's identity independently before taking action.

Can AI scammers clone someone's voice?

Yes. The FBI warns that criminals can use AI-generated audio to imitate loved ones and other trusted people. If someone calls with an urgent request for money or sensitive information, hang up and contact that person using a trusted phone number.

What should I do if I think I've fallen for an AI scam?

Contact your credit union as soon as possible and explain what happened. Review your account activity, secure affected accounts, change compromised passwords, and report the scam to the FTC or FBI when appropriate. Acting quickly can help limit further problems.