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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | APRIL 2026 | 5 Community Awareness Program By Michele Walter e New Face Of Deception: Common Articial Intelligence (AI) Scams AI scams surged 1,210 percent in 2025, far outpacing the 195 percent growth in traditional fraud, and projected losses could reach $40 billion by 2027. In 2026, AI has fundamentally shied the landscape of digital deception, transforming generic phishing attempts into highly personalized, hyper-realistic threats. As generative AI becomes more accessible, scammers are using it to "turbocharge" fraud at an unprecedented scale. • VOICE CLONING (Vishing): Using as little as three seconds of audio from social media, scammers can clone a person's voice with 95percent accuracy. ese are oen used in "family emergency" or "grandparent scams," where a loved one appears to call in a panic, claiming they have been kidnapped or arrested and need immediate funds. • DEEPFAKE VIDEOS & PHOTOS: Scammers create synthetic media to impersonate CEOs, celebrities, or government ocials. In one high-prole case, a nance worker was tricked into transferring $25 million aer a video call with what appeared to be his company's CFO and several colleagues-all of whom were deepfakes. • AI-ENHANCED PHISHING: Generative AI allows criminals to write professional-looking emails and texts that mirror the branding and tone of legitimate companies like Microso or major banks. • FAKE WEBSITES & LISTNGS: Scammers can instantly generate entire websites that look nearly identical to real businesses. ey also use AI to create convincing product descriptions and reviews for fake marketplace listings. • ROMANCE SCAMS: Fraudsters use AI to create "perfect match" proles with AI-generated photos and automated chatbots that can maintain romantic conversations with hundreds of victims simultaneously. HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF – while technology is evolving, your best defense remains a healthy skepticism and veried communication. • Establish a Family "Safe Word:" Create a unique phrase known only to your inner circle. If a "loved one" calls in an emergency, ask for the safe word or phrase to verify their identity. • Verify via a Dierent Channel: If you receive an urgent request from a boss or family member, hang up and call them back on a known, trusted number. • Watch for Technical Glitches: Look for unnatural blinking, mismatched lip-syncing, unusual shadows, or "robotic" speck patterns in videos and audio. • Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enable MFA on all sensitive accounts to provide a second layer of security that scammers cannot easily bypass even with your password. • Limit Your Digital Footprint: Be cautious about posting videos or audio clips of yourself publicly, as these provide the "training date" scammers use for cloning. REPORTING FRAUD If you suspect you've been targeted, report the incident immediately to help authorities track emerging tactics: • Federal Trade Commission (FTC): ReportFraud.c.gov. • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov • Postal Inspectors: If the scam involves the mail, contact the USPS. Questions or concerns? Call Michele Walter at (951) 202-8009 or email crystalwater@dc.rr.com. See something, say something. Please report any suspicious individuals, activities, and thes directly to Banning Police Department or call 911!

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