A recent Credit One Bank survey of 1,000 American adults conducted in June 2026 highlights a growing threat: AI‑generated financial scams are already affecting more than two‑fifths of consumers. The study found that 84% of respondents have altered at least one financial habit because of concerns about AI‑based fraud, and over half now refuse to answer calls from unfamiliar numbers.
Key findings from the national poll
Among the participants, 41% reported either encountering an AI scam or coming close to one, while 68% said they had received at least one suspicious contact that appeared to be from a financial institution. Nearly half of those surveyed indicated they would not trust any bank communication until they verified it by calling a known number.
The most feared tactic was the use of cloned voice calls or messages that sound exactly like a bank representative. Almost 24% of respondents said these fake calls were their top concern, with deceptive text messages that mimic real fraud alerts close behind at 22%.
How AI scams work
AI scammers create voice recordings that mimic the tone, urgency, and authority of a bank employee, pressuring victims to act immediately. Unlike phishing emails, there is no link to click or message to reread, making the deception harder to spot. The study warns that believing one can simply “think” they can spot an AI scam is insufficient; the technology continues to improve.
Generational differences
Gen Z respondents displayed the highest confidence, with 35% saying they could instantly recognize an AI scam. Yet more than half of that age group also reported an encounter, and 10% admitted to losing money. Younger adults are also the most trusting: just over 20% said a familiar‑looking phone number or email would be enough to convince them of legitimacy. The survey attributes this to higher online activity, which increases exposure to fraudulent attempts.
Public expectations of banks
Despite the alarm over AI scams, trust in banks remains relatively strong. Fifty‑eight percent of respondents said they mostly or completely trust their banks. However, they want more concrete safeguards and actionable advice to prevent scams before they happen. Participants called for clearer transaction alerts, verification protocols, and educational resources on how to identify AI‑generated fraud.
The study also broke down responses by gender, household income, and education, though the overall trends were consistent across demographics. National fraud statistics from the FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Complaint Center report were referenced to contextualize the rise in AI‑related financial crime.
What consumers can do now
Experts recommend a few practical steps: always verify the caller’s identity by using a known bank number, avoid sharing personal or financial information over unsolicited calls, and enable multi‑factor authentication on banking apps. Staying informed about the latest AI scam tactics and encouraging banks to provide real‑time alerts can also reduce risk.
As AI technology becomes more accessible, both consumers and financial institutions will need to adapt. The Credit One Bank survey underscores the urgency of proactive measures to protect American families from increasingly sophisticated fraud.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
