How to spot and avoid AI scams

(BPT) - Artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly become part of many people's everyday lives. Unfortunately, that includes scammers. The good news? You don't need to be a tech expert to protect yourself.

When you slow down, ask questions and double-check what you're seeing or hearing, their schemes often fall apart. Here are 9 tips from Navy Federal Credit Union to recognize and avoid AI scams.

1. Pause and verify. When you get an urgent message — especially one asking for money or personal information — stop and take a breath. Scammers want you to act fast without thinking. Instead, contact the person or company directly using a phone number or website you already know and trust. Don't use any contact info from the message.
2. Use a code word. Set up a secret word or phrase with family members that only you know. If someone calls claiming to be your grandson in trouble, ask for the code word. Real family members will know it. Scammers won't. This simple step can help stop voice cloning scams in their tracks.
3. Avoid requests for immediate or risky payments. Pay attention to red flags, such as anyone demanding you send money right away, especially through wire transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards or payment apps. Legitimate organizations give you time to think and offer multiple payment options.
4. Inspect the sender. Look closely at email addresses and phone numbers. Scammers often use addresses that look almost right but have small changes. If something looks off, don't engage.
5. Check the media. Look for unnatural facial movements, weird lighting, voices that sound slightly robotic or backgrounds that don't quite match up. If you're on a video call and something feels off, trust your gut.
6. Don't click. Never click links in unexpected emails or texts, even if they look legitimate. Instead, open your browser and type in the company's website yourself. Or, use a phone number you've saved or found on an official site. This can help protect you from fake websites designed to steal your login information.
7. Lock down your accounts. Turn on two-factor authentication for your important accounts — especially banking, email and social media. This adds an extra security step. Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
8. Limit your footprint. Be careful what you share on social media. Voice cloning scams work because criminals find audio clips of you or your loved ones online. Check your privacy settings and think twice before posting videos with clear audio. The less scammers know about you, the harder it is for them to target you.
9. Document and report. If you spot a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and contact your financial institution immediately. Save any emails, texts or voicemails as evidence. Reporting helps protect others and can assist law enforcement in tracking down scammers. Even if you didn't lose money, reporting matters.

For more tips on staying safe online, explore Navy Federal's MakingCents cybersecurity articles.

This content is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal, tax or financial advice. It is always a good idea to consult a tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to your situation and about your individual financial situation.