How to recognize emerging scams and take control of your financial safety
As digital technology evolves, so do the tactics of fraudsters. In 2025, financial fraud losses skyrocketed to over $12.5 billion annually, fueled by increasingly sophisticated scams powered by artificial intelligence. Staying informed and proactive is essential to protecting your money in this fast-changing landscape.
Emerging fraud tactics to watch
Scammers are leveraging cutting-edge tools to deceive even the most cautious consumers:
- AI deepfakes: Fraudsters now use generative AI to create lifelike voice and video impersonations of bank officials or loved ones. These are often used in scams where victims are manipulated into fake investment schemes.
- Business email compromise (BEC): Still prevalent, BEC scams trick employees into wiring funds via emails that appear to come from company executives.
- QR code phishing & app fraud: Scammers embed malicious links in QR codes or exploit real-time payment systems to steal credentials and funds.
- Cryptocurrency scams: With synthetic identities and AI-enhanced deception, crypto fraud is making a strong comeback.
- Imposter scams: Fake calls from agencies like the Federal Trade Commission combine tech support fraud with government impersonation to extract sensitive data.
Smart steps to stay safe
Protecting your finances starts with a few key habits:
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts for added security.
- Monitor your statements and credit reports regularly; set up alerts for unusual activity.
- Use strong, unique passwords and avoid public Wi-Fi for banking.
- Shred sensitive documents and verify unsolicited communications—never share PINs or click unknown links.
- Build an emergency fund in insured accounts and consider identity theft insurance.
By staying alert and informed, you can outsmart fraudsters and keep your finances secure. At Alpine Bank, we take your financial security seriously, additional fraud and prevention resources can be found at alpinebank.com/fraud-prevention.
