Recognizing the Signs: How One Fox Team Member Stopped a Scam in Its Tracks

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11.06.2025 Written by Fox Communities Credit Union

With artificial intelligence (AI) becoming more sophisticated than ever, fraudsters commonly use the technology to exploit everyday people. Recently, one of our team members, Kacie, demonstrated exceptional awareness and care when she helped prevent a member from falling victim to an extremely convincing AI-generated voice scam.

Looking for Red Flags

The member came into one of our locations visibly distressed, urgently requesting a large withdrawal—nearly her entire account balance. Kacie and her fellow team members frequently help her with her banking needs, so they are familiar with her usual demeanor. They immediately sensed that something wasn’t right.

Kacie noticed her phone was actively on a call with an unknown number, tucked away in her purse—a major red flag. The team members asked a few more questions and the member explained that her nephew was in crisis and needed money immediately—another major red flag.

With Kacie’s help, the Fraud Team got in contact with the member and confirmed that it wasn’t actually her nephew on the phone, but an AI-generated voice impersonating him. It’s a common scam fraudsters use to create panic and urgency, which makes people more vulnerable to falling for it. 

Thanks to Kacie’s attentiveness and training, our team was able to protect the member from a major financial loss and the emotional distress that comes with it. 

What You Can Learn from This

Scammers are increasingly using AI to mimic the voices of loved ones, a tactic that creates convincing phone calls and manipulates people’s emotions. Here are a few tips to help protect yourself and others:
  1. Be skeptical of urgent requests: Scammers often create a sense of emergency to pressure you into acting quickly. Take a moment to pause and verify that it’s actually who they say it is. 
  2. Use known contact methods: If a loved one contacts you in distress, hang up and call them back using a number you know is legitimate.
  3. Watch for unusual behavior: If someone you know is acting out of character, especially when it comes to financial decisions, it’s worth asking a few extra questions.
  4. Report suspicious activity: If you suspect a scam, report it to your financial institution and local authorities. You could help prevent others from falling victim.

We’re Here for You

Kacie’s story is a powerful reminder that knowing the red flags can make a real impact. As scams become more sophisticated, staying informed and aware is your best defense.

For more information on other scams and how to protect yourself, visit our Fraud and Security page. If you might have fallen victim to a scam, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help keep you, your finances and identity safe.