From romance scams to crypto fraud, here’s what you need to know.
Scammers are getting smarter—and faster. From fake job offers and romance scams to crypto fraud and identity theft, consumers are increasingly targeted by sophisticated schemes. In 2025, many of these scams are powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), making them harder to detect and more convincing than ever. This quick-read guide outlines the most common scams, how AI is changing the fraud landscape and what you can do to protect yourself and your finances.
1. Fake Job Offers
Scam alert: You get a job offer via email, text, or social media – no interview, just instructions to send money or process payments.
Red flags:
- Requests to send money via wire or mobile apps.
- Fees for training or application processing.
- No video calls or proper onboarding.
- Use of real company names to gain trust.
Tip: Legit employers typically do not ask you to pay to start work.
2. Crypto Investment Scams
Scam alert: A “friend” or online contact offers to help you invest in crypto with promises of high returns.
Red flags:
- Fake profit statements
- Pressure to act fast
- No way to withdraw your money
- Long-term emotional manipulation
Tip: Always verify platforms and never invest based on social media advice.
3. Romance Scams
Scam alert: You meet someone online who builds trust, then asks for money.
Red flags:
- Excuses to avoid meeting in person
- Requests for financial help
- Inconsistent stories
- Crypto investment pitches
Tip: Be cautious with online relationships that turn financial.
4. Executive or Law Enforcement Impersonation Email Scams
Scam alert: You receive an urgent email or invoice from someone claiming to be a government agency or executive.
Red flags:
- Spoofed email addresses
- Poor grammar or spelling
- Unexpected attachments or links
- Requests for immediate payment or action
Tip: Always verify sender details and avoid clicking unknown links.
5. Identity Theft
Scam alert: Scammers steal your personal information to open accounts or apply for loans in your name.
Red flags:
- Phishing emails or calls
- Automatic approvals via email
- No video verification
- Oversharing on social media
- Receiving One Time Passcode (OTP) texts or emails that you didn’t request
Tip: Lock your credit and use strong passwords across platforms.
6. Gift Card Scams
Scam alert: One increasingly common scam involves someone asking you to buy credit cards – either physical or digital – and promising rewards, job opportunities or investment returns in exchange.
Red flags:
- You are contacted by someone claiming they need your help purchasing credit cards or gift cards
- They promise to reimburse you
- Once you send the card details, they disappear and your money is gone
Tip: Always initiate contact yourself when dealing with card-related issues. If you receive a call, email, or text asking for your credit card details—even if it looks official—hang up or delete it, then contact your bank directly using a verified number or website.
AI Fraud: The New Threat
AI is rapidly transforming our everyday lives – and unfortunately, fraudsters are keeping pace by leveraging it for increasingly deceptive schemes.
- Generate realistic phishing emails with perfect grammar
- Create fake customer service numbers and websites
- Bypass voice authentication and ID checks
AI-powered fraud is rising, in fact some reports indicate that AI is used in more than 50% of financial fraud cases1. These tools allow criminals to scale their operations and deceive even the most cautious users.
Your Security Is Our Priority
At First Internet Bank, protecting your account and personal information is our top priority. We use advanced security technologies, like encryption, firewalls and secure sessions to safeguard your online transactions and ensure uninterrupted service.
Important Reminder:
We will never ask for sensitive information such as your Social Security number, account number, PIN, username or password via email. If you receive a suspicious message or believe you may be a victim of fraud, please contact a Relationship Banker at bank@firstib.com or 1-888-873-3424. Stay informed and alert. Together, we can navigate the digital world safely.
1 https://www.feedzai.com/inthenews/more-than-50-of-fraud-involves-the-use-of-artificial-intelligence/
