DATE: November 18 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jim Roche
jroche@mainebankers.com
(207) 791-8401
Maine Bankers & CPAs Launch TV & Radio Fraud Protection Effort
The Maine Bankers Association, in cooperation with the Maine Society of CPAs and the Maine Association of Broadcasters, today launched a public service campaign on TV and radio stations throughout the state aimed at curbing A/I-generated fraud scams. The 30 second spots feature a woman who answers the phone and thwarts her grandson’s request for money by asking him for the “family code word.” The artificial intelligence-generated “grandson” responds, “Code word?” Then hangs up.
Here’s the spot: https://vimeo.com/1003375101
The use of artificial intelligence to mimic the voices of loved ones in fraudulent attempts at criminal activity is growing. Over $9 billion is lost annually to fraud and phone scams. The public service ads encourage TV and radio audiences to establish a family code word known only to family members, to be verified with the caller before taking any action.
“It’s alarming how sophisticated financial scams are becoming, especially with the use of A/I. Smart people are falling victim. We all need to be vigilant. We all need to establish a family code word to protect ourselves and our loved ones,” said Larry Barker, chair of the Maine Bankers Association’s board of directors and president/CEO of Machias Savings Bank.
The campaign launches today and will run for several weeks. For more information, contact Jim Roche, president, Maine Bankers Association.
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