How to Protect Yourself from AI Phone Scams

Phone scams are nothing new, but the technology behind them is rapidly changing. Today, fraudsters are using artificial intelligence to make their calls sound more real than ever. This tactic, known as vishing or voice phishing, can make it difficult to tell what is legitimate and what is not.

From spoofed phone numbers to AI-generated voices that sound like real people, these scams are designed to create urgency and gain your trust quickly. Knowing what to watch for and how to respond can help protect both your information and your finances.

What Is AI Voice Fraud?

AI voice fraud takes traditional phone scams a step further. Instead of a generic or robotic call, fraudsters can now:

• Mimic the voice of a bank representative, coworker, or even a family member
• Use personal information to make the call feel more credible
• Create a sense of urgency to pressure quick action

You may receive a call claiming there is a problem with your account, a suspicious charge, or a locked login. The goal is to get you to act fast before you have time to question it.

Protect Your Login Information

One of the most common tactics is asking you to “verify” your identity by sharing sensitive information.

We will never call or text you to ask for:

• Online banking usernames or passwords
• Multi-factor authentication codes
• Secure access codes sent to your phone or email

If a caller asks for this information, it is a red flag. When in doubt, end the call and contact First International Bank & Trust directly at (800) 359-8092.

Slow Down and Verify

AI scams rely on urgency. You might hear things like “this charge needs to be approved right now,” or “your account will be locked if you do not respond.”

Take a step back. A legitimate request from your bank will not depend on immediate action over an unsolicited call or text.

If something feels off:

• Hang up
• Avoid clicking links in texts
• Use a trusted phone number to contact your bank directly

Use Alerts to Stay in Control

Real-time account alerts are one of the most effective ways to stay ahead of fraud.

With alerts turned on, you can quickly see:

• When a transaction occurs
• If there is a login attempt
• Any unusual account activity

Instead of reacting to a suspicious call, you can check your alerts and confirm what is actually happening in your account.

Review Transactions Regularly

Checking your accounts consistently helps you spot anything unfamiliar early. Even a small transaction can be a sign that someone is testing access.

If you notice anything you do not recognize, report it right away. Acting quickly helps us protect your account and prevent further activity.

Banking Built on Trust

Fraudsters may be getting more sophisticated, but so are the tools designed to protect you. By combining your awareness with features like account alerts and regular transaction monitoring, you can stay one step ahead.

If something does not feel right, trust your instincts and reach out. Our team is here to help keep your accounts secure. Click here to learn more about setting up alerts.