(StatePoint) Scammers are finding new ways to impersonate people and organizations you trust. Fraud experts warn that scams can start across multiple channels, including phone calls, texts, email, messaging apps and social media. New technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) is making these tactics more believable and harder to detect.
Impersonation scams happen when someone pretends to be a trusted person or organization, such as a government agency, law enforcement, bank, tech support provider, or even a family member. These scams are effective because they create a sense of urgency and rely on trust to push people to act quickly.
In some cases, criminals now use AI to generate realistic messages, real-time videos or even mimic a person’s voice. These tactics can make a scam feel more urgent and personal, increasing the likelihood that someone will respond without verifying.
“The technology may be new, but the strategy behind these scams is not. Fraudsters want to build trust, create pressure, and keep you from pausing long enough to question the request,” said Joshua Del Valle, executive director of enterprise fraud at PNC Bank. “Instead of relying on how convincing a message, voice or video appears, verify the request through a contact method you already know and trust.”
What to Know About Impersonation and AI-Driven Scams
- Scammers may pose as familiar or authoritative sources. Common examples include calls claiming to be from a bank, government agency or relative in distress.
- Contact can happen in multiple ways. Calls, texts, email and social media messages may all be used together.
- Technology is making scams more convincing. Messages may be more polished and personalized, and timed to feel legitimate.
- Pressure is a key tactic. Scammers often push for immediate action or ask you not to involve others. For example, people impersonating law enforcement or bank employees often tell people to mention nothing to the bank employees during a withdrawal transaction because they are “compromised.”
The Anatomy of a Scam
- Contact: You receive a call, text or message from someone claiming to be a trusted source.
- Trust: The message sounds believable, familiar or authoritative.
- Urgency: You are told there is a problem or emergency that needs immediate action.
- Request: You are asked to send money or share information.
- Extraction: Money or sensitive information is handed over, often before you can verify the request.
Five Ways to Protect Yourself
- Verify the request using a trusted contact method. Reach out using a known phone number or official website, not the information provided in the message.
- Do not rely on caller ID or voice alone. Phone numbers and messages can be altered, faked or manipulated. Sometimes it will show the name of the institution, but it is not real. Verify and confirm with additional sources.
- Slow down and ask questions. A person or organization with a legitimate request will not rush you into immediate action.
- Be cautious about sharing personal information. Avoid providing sensitive data in response to unexpected requests.
- Talk to someone you trust before acting. A second opinion can help spot red flags.
For more information on best practices to help prevent fraud, visit PNC’s Security and Privacy Center.
Impersonation scams continue to evolve, but the underlying tactics remain the same: gaining your trust and pushing you to act quickly. Slowing down and verifying before you respond can help you avoid making a payment or sharing information based on a false request.
