Financial scams and fraud in digital environments are not new, but artificial intelligence (AI) has made them more sophisticated and difficult to detect. To carry out these deceptions, criminals now resort to fictitious messages and websites, fake profiles of famous people, and even AI-generated voices or videos that mimic bank employees, friends, or family members.
They typically contact you through social media, messaging apps, email, and unexpected calls that appear to be real.
Risks range from financial losses to identity theft and emotional stress. Be cautious and follow these basic tips to protect your security.
Warning signs
- A promise that seems too good to be true
- An unexpected call from an unknown number
- An urgent request for money or personal information, even from someone who appears to be a relative, a friend, or even a public figure
- A request to access your device, scan a QR code, or click on a link
- A request for personal information or banking details (passwords, credit card numbers, online banking access keys, or security codes)
- A request for payment through untraceable methods (crypto-assets, gift cards, money transfers, or prepaid cards)
- A suspicious or incorrect email address or link (spelling errors in the URL or unusual web addresses)
- An attachment from an unknown source (especially .exe, .scr, .zip, or a macro-enabled Office file such as .docm or .xlsm)
- Grammatical or formatting errors in an official-looking document, although these are increasingly difficult to detect thanks to AI
- A website that looks professional but does not include verified contact details or company registration information.
- An intonation that sounds unnatural, lacks pauses, and seems excessively fluid or robotic. Beware of “voice cloning,” although AI-generated speech can also sound very natural.
- Videos in which the voice may sound robotic or too fluid, where lip movements and facial expressions may be out of sync with the voice, or where the background, lighting, and shadows may be inconsistent. These are often AI-generated videos (deepfakes).
Learn about tips to protect yourself from Spanish and European supervisory authorities (CNMV, EBA, EIOPA, ESMA):
- Never share personal information or banking details
- Stop for a moment and think before acting
- Verify the authenticity of the source/their identity
- Stay alert to potential AI-driven deception
- Never install remote access software or share your screen
- Keep your devices and accounts secure
- Be cautious of investment opportunities that arise unexpectedly and for a limited time
- Think before sharing information on social media
What should I do if I have been a victim of a scam or fraud?
- Cancel any transaction immediately
- Contact your bank or financial institution
- Change passwords on all your devices and apps/websites
- Report it and raise the alarm
- Beware of “recovery room” fund recovery fraud
