AI-Powered Impersonation Scams
Deepfake Voice/Video
- Scammers clone voices of bosses, family, or executives
- Used for urgent money transfers or sensitive info
- Now takes minutes to create convincing scams
Be Aware of Red Flags
All of us at First Citizens want to keep you informed about all the latest fraud and scams happening so that you can know what to look out for. Read below to hear about the latest.
NOTE: First Citizens does not sell or share your information with outside entities. We are NOT involved in any additional financing programs or warranties you may be contacted about via mail, phone, or email. If you are asked for banking information from someone who appears to be First Citizens Bank, this is a scam. Please protect your banking information with the highest regard.
The 10-Second Rule
Pause for 10 seconds before acting on suspicious, high-urgency requests. This brief pause allows you to verify the sender, check URLs, or confirm the identity of callers requesting urgent actions.
Five Universal Scam Red Flags
- Urgency (“act now or else”)
- Payment requests (gift cards, crypto, wire)
- Secrecy (“don’t tell anyone”)
- Unusual instructions (new payment method, new contact)
- Emotional pressure (fear, love, panic)
Top 10 Fraud & Scams
Account Takeover & Identity Theft
- Hackers use stolen data to access bank/email accounts
- Includes SIM-swapping and credential stuffing
- One of the fastest-growing fraud types
Impersonator/Imposter Scams
Coming from government, bank, and tech support
- Fake IRS, Social Security, Amazon, or bank reps
- Often demand payment via wire, crypto, or gift cards
- Among the most reported scams
Investment / Cryptocurrency Scams
Also known as “Pig Butchering”
- Long-term trust-building and fake crypto platforms
- Victims lose large sums after repeated deposits
- Biggest loss category globally
Payment Redirection / Invoice Scams
- Fake invoices or “updated payment details”
- Common in real estate, vendors, and small businesses
- Victims unknowingly send money to scammers
Phishing & Smishing
Email/Text Scams
- Fake links pretending to be banks, delivery services, etc.
- Increasingly personalized using AI
- Still a core entry point for identity theft
Romance Scams
- Scammers build emotional relationships, then ask for money
- Often tied to crypto investments or emergencies
- High emotional + financial damage
Online Shopping & Fake E-Commerce Sites
- Fake stores with huge discounts → no product delivered
- Thousands of scam websites now operate at scale
Authorized Push Payment (APP) Scams
- Victim is manipulated into sending money themselves
- Hard to reverse since transfer is “authorized”
- Increasing with mobile banking & crypto
Job & Employment Scams
- Fake remote jobs, “task jobs,” or recruiter messages
- Goal is to steal personal info or upfront “fees”
- Rising due to layoffs and remote work trends
How to Avoid a Scam
Block unwanted calls and text messages. Take steps to block unwanted calls and to filter unwanted text messages.
What to Do if You Were Scammed
Find out what to do if you paid someone you think is a scammer, or if you gave a scammer your personal information or access to your computer or phone.