Key Takeaway
- The Threat: AI enables criminals to create hyper-realistic deepfakes of voices, documents, and contacts, making high-net-worth families prime targets.
- The Tactic: Scammers use personalized data and emotional urgency to trick family members or staff into quickly authorizing transfers.
- Your Defense: Combine strong digital safeguards with human verification — confirm requests directly, educate staff, and work only through verified advisors and institutions.
- What to Do Now: Establish private communication protocols and review your household’s digital exposure during Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
The New Face of Fraud
Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized convenience — but also deception. With only a few seconds of recorded audio or video, fraudsters can now clone voices, mimic facial expressions, and impersonate trusted contacts.
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, AI-enabled scams contributed to more than $16 billion in reported losses in 2024 in the United States, a 33% increase over the prior year.
For high-net-worth families, this growing threat isn’t just about protecting assets—it’s about protecting trust, relationships, and peace of mind.
In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October, New Omni Bank encourages clients to take a proactive look at how AI has changed the fraud landscape—and how to stay protected.
How AI Impersonation Works
AI tools can recreate how someone looks, speaks, or writes—and criminals use that realism to exploit moments of urgency and emotion.
Common tactics include:
- Deepfake Video Calls: Fraudsters pose as executives, attorneys, or even family members asking for immediate, large transfers due to a fabricated emergency.
- Voice Cloning (Vishing): Using a few seconds of social-media audio to create a convincing replica of a voice, then calling to request urgent help or funds.
- Email or Text Impersonation: Copying tone and phrasing from real correspondence to make fraudulent financial requests appear authentic.
These tactics are designed to feel believable — to make you act first and question later.
Case Study: The Deepfake Request
Imagine receiving a call from your financial advisor’s registered number. The voice sounds identical, calmly explaining an urgent portfolio transaction that needs immediate approval, followed by an email using official branding.
Everything appears legitimate—except none of it is real.
The number was spoofed, the voice was cloned, and the “advisor” was an AI-generated imitation aiming to capture an authorized transfer from your family office or personal account.
Five Smart Ways to Protect Your Family and Household
1. The Two-Channel Rule: Verify Before You Act
Pause and confirm any unusual request through a separate channel. If the request came via phone, call your banker or advisor directly using a number you know is correct—never rely on caller ID or reply to the same message thread.
2. Establish a Private Family “Safe Word”
Create a family code phrase for emergencies. A simple, private word or question can instantly confirm someone’s identity and stop emotional manipulation dead in its tracks.
3. Limit Your Online Voice/Video Exposure
Be cautious about what you post. AI needs only a few seconds of audio or video footage to create a convincing clone. Review your social media privacy settings and restrict public access to personal clips.
4. Enforce Dual Payment Controls
For family office or business accounts, use dual approval to ensure that no single individual can both initiate and release a payment. Business accounts should also consider activating Positive Pay for added protection, which automatically matches issued payments against an approved list and flags any fraudulent attempts.
5. Train Staff and Household Members
Fraudsters often contact assistants, office staff, or household employees first. Share these safeguards with them so they know how to respond calmly and correctly. Awareness across your entire household is your first line of defense.
How New Omni Bank Protects Your Wealth
At New Omni Bank, protecting your wealth means more than managing assets—it means anticipating and mitigating risks.
Our systems constantly monitor unusual activity, verify large transactions, and flag anomalies for review. Relationship bankers are trained to detect impersonation tactics and will reach out immediately when something appears out of pattern.
If you ever receive an unexpected request or suspicious communication, pause and call your banker directly. We’re here to help you confirm what’s real before you act.
Closing Thought
Technology has changed how wealth is managed—and how it can be targeted. Yet with awareness, verification, and trusted relationships, you can stay steps ahead of deception.
At New Omni Bank, our goal is simple: to help you protect not only your assets, but also your peace of mind.
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or investment advice. All content is subject to change without notice. Please consult with a qualified professional or contact New Omni Bank directly for personalized guidance or the latest product information.
