National Consumer Protection Week (March 1–7) is a nationwide effort to help people guard their money and personal information. This year also includes Slam the Scam Day on March 5, which focuses on stopping imposter scams, one of the fastest‑growing types of fraud in the country.

We are posting content every day during Consumer Protection Week to help people in the communities we serve combat fraud and report it so that scammers can’t continue to take advantage of unsuspecting victims.

You may have gone through a training session provided by your company’s IT department, or perhaps you sought out information on your own (great job being proactive!). In either case, you’ve likely been advised to check suspicious emails for spelling mistakes.

In the past, spelling errors were a telltale sign of phishing emails—messages designed to trick recipients into clicking malicious links, sharing sensitive information, or, in many cases, sending money directly to fraudsters.

However, as part of our National Consumer Protection Week series, Director of Information Technology Aaron Williams explained that today’s phishing and spear phishing emails are far less likely to contain the obvious mistakes they once did.

“A lot of the bad actors these days are utilizing artificial intelligence to make those phishing emails seem very real—to make the content feel like it was written by a professional,” Williams said.

That’s why your suspicion remains your first line of defense. The good news? The fundamentals of fighting phishing haven’t changed. If something feels off, reach out directly to the person or organization the email claims to be from—using contact information you trust, not the details provided in the message.

To stay prepared, individuals and businesses can take a few proactive steps:

• Take stock of the services or vendors you regularly use
• Make sure you have their most up-to-date phone numbers, email addresses, and contact information
• Note any key staffing changes involving the people you typically communicate with

For more tips on how to protect yourself from this growing form of fraud, follow the FCCU blog.

First Commerce Credit Union provides this content to inform and inspire. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee this information is accurate, complete or current.  This information is not professional advice (tax, legal, financial, etc.) and should not replace your individual consultation with qualified advisors. Laws, rules, and personal circumstances can change, so please verify how this information applies (or does not apply) to your situation and location. All decisions remain your responsibility. First Commerce Credit Union and its affiliates and employees assume no liability for outcomes resulting from the use of this material.