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Protect yourself and your business from AI-powered scams

Back view of hacker using computers at desk with glowing AI hologram on blue background. Artificial intelligence, hacking, malware, robotics and chat gpt concept. Back view of hacker using computers at desk with glowing AI hologram on blue background. Artificial intelligence, hacking, malware, robotics and chat gpt concept.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we live and work but unfortunately, scammers are using it, too. Today's fraudsters can create convincing emails, text messages, phone calls, invoices, and even cloned voices that appear to come from a trusted business, financial institution, vendor, colleague, or family member.

It's important to slow down before responding to unexpected requests involving money, account information, or sensitive data. Never rely solely on caller ID or email addresses, and avoid clicking links or calling phone numbers included in unsolicited messages. Instead, verify requests using a trusted phone number or known contact. 

Help protect yourself and your business

Stay alert

  • Be cautious of messages creating a sense of urgency or fear.

Verify payments

  • Verify payment requests, wire transfers, or changes to vendor payment instructions through a trusted contact before sending funds.

Protect credentials

  • Never share your online banking password or one-time security codes.

Know how to respond

  • If a request seems unusual, stop before acting. Do not click links, call phone numbers, or reply using contact information provided in an unsolicited message. Instead, use a trusted phone number, known contact, or information already on file to verify the request.
  • Partners Bank of California will never ask you to provide your online banking password, full security code, or one-time passcode by email, text message, or unsolicited phone call.
  • If you believe you shared credentials, clicked a suspicious link, or sent funds in response to a scam, contact us immediately so we can help you take appropriate next steps.

Use verification

  • Establish a verification process for your business. Require employees to confirm wire transfers, payment requests, or changes to vendor payment instructions using a trusted phone number—not the contact information provided in the email. At home, consider creating a family safe word or code phrase to help verify emergency requests.

Employee training

  • Train employees to recognize phishing emails and AI-generated impersonation attempts, and encourage them to report anything suspicious

Important reminder: FDIC deposit insurance protects insured deposits in the event of a bank failure; it does not cover losses from scams, theft, or fraud.

As AI technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics used by scammers. Whether you are protecting your personal finances or your business, taking a moment to pause, verify unexpected requests, and follow established security procedures can help prevent fraud before it happens.

For more fraud prevention resources and cybersecurity tips, visit our Resource Center at pbofca.com. If you have questions about a suspicious message, online banking security, or believe you may have been targeted by a scam, please contact your client advisor or call us at (866) 323-2741 before taking action.