JPMorgan Expert Warns: AI Scams Are Getting Harder to Spot

Artificial intelligence is making it easier than ever for scammers to impersonate banks — and harder than ever for consumers to tell what’s real. According to Darius Kingsley, Head of Consumer Business Practices at JPMorgan Chase, “Nobody is immune.”

Why AI Scams Are So Effective

AI has removed the classic red flags of fraud, like bad spelling or clumsy grammar. Scammers can now send perfectly written emails, spoof a bank’s phone number, and even reference recent transactions to seem more believable.

Many scams are designed to trigger panic. Fraud awareness campaigns have taught people to act quickly on bank alerts, and criminals are exploiting that urgency. Once fear takes over, even careful consumers may click a link or give away information before thinking it through.

Red Flags to Watch For

Kingsley points out a few warning signs that can help protect you:

• Urgent language: Messages demanding immediate action.
• Unusual requests: Being told to withdraw large sums or send money to a “temporary” account.
• Suspicious numbers: Texts from regular 10-digit numbers rather than official short codes.
• Unfamiliar links or attachments: Especially those you weren’t expecting.
• Personal info requests: Banks will never ask for your PIN or Social Security number by phone, text, or email.

Older adults may be especially at risk, since they’re more likely to answer calls from unfamiliar numbers, and scammers often spoof local branch phone lines to gain trust.

How to Protect Yourself

JPMorgan and other banks are expanding community education, offering hundreds of fraud prevention workshops each year. But the simplest defense is still the best one: hang up and call the number on the back of your debit or credit card.

Other tips include:

• Setting up official account alerts so you know what real bank messages look like.
• Taking a pause before acting on urgent requests.
• Talking to a trusted friend or family member before sending money.

The Bottom Line

AI has made fraud smarter, faster, and more convincing — but staying calm and verifying through official channels can keep your money safe. As Kingsley reminds us, “It doesn’t matter how smart I am… I could fall for a scam too.”