*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM THE* *WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT
OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS*

*Monday, Feb. 2, 2026**
**CONTACT*:
Members of the media wishing to speak to staff – please fill out DFI’s Media Query Form [ [link removed] ]

Lyn Peters, DFI Director of Communications
PH 360-902-8731, [email protected]

Faith Anderson, DFI Securities Division Acting Director
PH 360-902-8760, [email protected]

*Washington DFI urges investors to beware of AI-powered investment scams*

Chatbots and deepfakes are among the AI tools used by fraudsters to rob investors of their hard-earned money

Olympia – As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more sophisticated, the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) joins the North American Securities Administrators Association in urging investors to stay vigilant against a growing wave of AI-powered investment scams.

From convincing chatbots to realistic deepfakes, fraudsters are increasingly using AI tools to mislead and manipulate. These scams are becoming harder to detect and more costly to investors. Each year, North American investors lose billions of dollars to fraud, with losses continuing to rise steadily.

“It’s more important than ever for investors to recognize the warning signs of fraud and understand how AI is being used to deceive,” DFI Director Charlie Clark said. “Investors are their own first line of defense. By pausing, thinking critically, and doing your research, you can avoid falling victim to AI-driven scams.”

DFI recommends the following steps to safeguard your investments:


* *Verify registration*: Visit DFI’s website to Verify Financial Services and Industry Licenses in Washington State [ [link removed] ] and confirm that the individual or firm is registered to sell investments.
* *Check for warnings*: Look up alerts [ [link removed] ] or enforcement actions [ [link removed] ] from DFI’s securities division.
* *Understand the technology:* Learn how AI tools work and how they can be used to manipulate. NASAA Investor Alert: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Investment Fraud [ [link removed] ]
* *Report suspicious activity*: File a complaint [ [link removed] ] to report scams or suspected financial exploitation to DFI, Washington’s Securities regulator.

Be cautious if you encounter:


* Promises of guaranteed high returns with little or no risk.
* Pressure to act quickly or secrecy around the opportunity.
* Unanswered questions or vague explanations.
* Use of personal relationships or social networks to build trust.

For more information on AI-related investment scams and how to protect yourself, visit www.dfi.wa.gov/10B [ [link removed] ]. You may also wish to visit DFI’s investment scam tracker [ [link removed] ] to learn more about scams reported in Washington State.

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*About DFI* ▪ www.dfi.wa.gov [ [link removed] ] ▪ 360-902-8700 ▪ 877-RINGDFI (746-4334)
The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regulates a variety of financial service providers such as banks, credit unions, mortgage brokers, consumer loan companies, payday lenders and securities brokers and dealers. The department also works to improve financial education throughout Washington through its outreach programs and online clearinghouse www.dfi.wa.gov/financial-education [ [link removed] ]. In addition to posting information about licensees and administrative actions, DFI uses the Web and social media to provide financial education information: [link removed] ■ www.instagram.com/wastatedfi/ [ [link removed] ] ■ [link removed] ■ [link removed] ■ [link removed] ■ www.homeownership.wa.gov [ [link removed] ] ■ www.linkedin.com/company/state-of-washington-department-of-financial-institutions/ [ [link removed] ] ■ [link removed]

*About the Division of Securities* ▪ www.dfi.wa.gov/securities [ [link removed] ] ▪ 360-902-8760 ▪ 877-746-4334
The Division of Securities regulates securities investments, franchises, business opportunities, and off-exchange commodities sold in Washington and the firms and individuals that sell these products or provide investment advice. The Division handles complaints, conducts investigations, and takes appropriate enforcement actions to protect investors and combat fraud.

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