Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are becoming part of everyday life. From helping write emails and plan vacations to answering questions and summarizing documents, AI can be a powerful and convenient tool.

At Peoples State Bank, we want our customers to enjoy the benefits of new technology while staying safe. Just as we encourage customers to shred sensitive paper documents before throwing them away, it's equally important to think carefully about the information entered into AI tools.

Treat Digital Information Like a Paper Document

Most people know not to toss bank statements, tax returns, medical records, or other sensitive documents into the trash without shredding them first. Once those documents leave your control, they could potentially be accessed by someone else.

The same concept applies online. Before entering information into an AI tool, ask yourself: "Would I be comfortable sharing this information with someone I don't know?" If the answer is no, it's best not to enter it into a public or unapproved AI platform.

Information You Should Never Share

Avoid entering the following into public AI tools:

• Social Security numbers
• Bank account numbers
• Debit or credit card numbers
• Online banking usernames or passwords
• Tax information
• Medical records
• Personal identification information
• Confidential business information
• Information belonging to others
• Any sensitive or confidential data

When possible, remove names, account numbers, addresses, and other identifying details before asking an AI tool a question.

Why Does This Matter?

Many AI applications process information on systems you do not control. Depending on the platform, information entered may be stored, retained, or used in ways you don't fully understand.

Once information has been shared, you may not know:

• Who can access it
• How long it is retained
• Whether it is shared with other systems
• How it may be used in the future

The safest approach is to avoid sharing sensitive information in the first place.

How Criminals Can Use Your Information

Fraudsters are increasingly using AI to make scams more convincing than ever before. The more information criminals gather about a person, the easier it becomes to impersonate them, manipulate them, or trick family members and businesses.

Voice Cloning Scams

A scammer may use a short audio clip from social media, voicemail, or other sources to create a realistic AI-generated version of someone's voice.

Imagine receiving a phone call that sounds exactly like a child, grandchild, or friend asking for emergency financial help. These scams can be highly convincing because the voice sounds familiar and trustworthy.

The more information fraudsters collect about a person, the easier it becomes to pose as a relative, employer, co-worker, or trusted organization. This can lead to requests for wire transfers, gift cards, passwords, account information, or other sensitive data.

Deepfake Videos

AI can now generate realistic videos that appear to show a person saying or doing something they never actually said or did.

Fraudsters may use deepfake technology to impersonate company executives, public officials, or even family members to gain trust and persuade victims to send money or disclose information.

Personalized Phishing Attacks

AI can help criminals create highly customized scam emails, text messages, and social media messages. Instead of obvious spelling mistakes or unusual wording, today's AI-generated scams often appear professional and convincing, making them harder to identify.

Identity Theft

Pieces of personal information shared across different websites and applications can be combined to create a detailed profile of an individual.

Criminals may attempt to use that information to:

• Open fraudulent accounts
• Apply for loans
• Access existing financial accounts
• Bypass security questions
• Impersonate victims online

Simple Steps to Stay Safe

Protect yourself by following these simple practices:

✅ Remove names and identifying information before using AI tools

✅ Never enter account numbers, passwords, or login credentials

✅ Limit the personal information you share online

✅ Be cautious about posting audio and video recordings publicly

✅ Verify unexpected requests through a trusted phone number

✅ Always be skeptical of urgent requests involving money

✅ Review privacy settings on apps and websites

✅ Keep devices and software updated

We're Here to Help

Technology continues to evolve, and so do the tactics used by scammers. While AI offers many exciting opportunities, it also creates new risks that consumers should understand.

At Peoples State Bank, your security is important to us. If you ever have questions about protecting your information, identifying a potential scam, or safeguarding your accounts, please contact us. We are always happy to help.

Remember: Shred sensitive paper documents. Scrub sensitive digital information.

And before you type information into an AI tool, take a moment to think: If you wouldn't throw it away without shredding it, don't enter it into a public AI tool.

From all of us at Peoples State Bank, thank you for allowing us to help protect what matters most.