- Caller ID information can be spoofed. If you are unsure who is calling, end the call and contact the organization or individual using a verified phone number. Do not use a callback number provided during the call or displayed on the screen.
- A noticeable pause after your initial greeting may be a warning sign of an automated or spam call.
- Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure individuals into acting before they can evaluate the situation. Pause and verify the request before taking action.
AmeriServ Bank Cybersecurity Forum
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
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Social engineering relies on psychological manipulation to bypass standard digital security measures by exploiting trust, urgency, and emotion. Instead of forcing their way through firewalls, modern scammers use voice-cloning technology, fabricated romantic relationships, or official-sounding authority figures to trick you into handing over money or personal data. Protecting yourself requires keeping your personal life private online, slowing down during high-pressure requests, and independently verifying every unexpected communication before reacting.
Event Resources
Spam Calls
View Video- Scammers may use brief audio clips from publicly posted social media videos to clone a person’s voice.
- AI voice-cloning scams may impersonate loved ones to gain your trust. If you suspect impersonation, end the call and contact your loved one directly using a known phone number.
- Establish a family “safe word” or “safe phrase” to help verify a caller’s identity when someone claims to be a loved one.
- The IRS initiates contact through written correspondence delivered by mail. Treat unexpected calls, texts, emails, or social media messages claiming to be from the IRS with caution and verify them independently.
AI Voice Cloning
View Video- Romance scams use emotional manipulation to build trust and exploit individuals for financial gain.
- Common warning signs of romance scams include:
- Requests for money to cover travel, housing, utilities, transportation, or other expenses.
- Repeated avoidance of in-person meetings.
- Multiple social media profiles using the same profile photo.
- Attempts to isolate you by encouraging secrecy about the relationship, particularly with family members or financial institutions.
- Do not send money, cryptocurrency, or gift cards to someone you are romantically involved with but have not met in person. Use reverse image search tools to check profile photos, and consult a trusted family member before considering any request for funds.
Romance Scams
View Video- Social engineering exploits human tendencies, including helpfulness, fear, curiosity, and deference to authority.
- Limit the personal information you share online.
- Scammers can use details from your posts to create convincing stories and gain your trust.
- Information shared online may also help scammers access your accounts. For example, posting your pet’s name could expose a clue if you use that name in a password.
- Use strong, unique passwords for each account, and update them promptly if you suspect they have been compromised.
- Treat unexpected requests involving urgency, secrecy, or unusual payment methods as potential social engineering attempts. Pause and verify the request through an independent, trusted channel.
Social Engineering Scams
View Video
Avoid clicking links in unsolicited text messages or emails. Instead, access the organization’s official website or app directly.
Email & Phishing Scams
View Video
Exercise caution with QR codes and treat cryptocurrency transfers as cash-like payments that may be difficult to recover. Do not use cryptocurrency or peer-to-peer payment apps, such as Zelle or Venmo, to pay unknown recipients or fund unsolicited investment offers. For purchases, consider credit cards for their fraud protections.
Crypto Scams
View VideoHelpful Links
IC3.gov – The official website for the Internet Crime Complaint Center, which is run by the FBI. Best for reporting cybercrime, financial fraud including wire/crypto transfers, AI video/voice impersonation, and business account takeovers.
ReportFraud.ftc.gov is best for reporting any general consumer scam, imposter call, bad online purchase, or text phishing.
IdentityTheft.gov is best for anyone whose Social Security Number, bank credentials, or tax information has been stolen.
haveibeenpwned.com—data breach search.
Guest Speakers
Dr. Kevin Slonka
Dr. Kevin Slonka was raised in Western PA, completing his undergrad in Cresson, PA and all of his graduate degrees through RMU in Pittsburgh, PA. He also holds various industry certifications, some of which are the Certified Responsible AI Governance & Ethics, Certified Cybercrime Investigator, Certified Ethical Hacker, and Offensive Security Certified Professional certifications.
Dr. Slonka’s research interests are in the field of cyber security, ranging from technical research to educational research. His research received the Best Paper award at the International Association for Computer Information Systems conference in 2016, the Meritorious Paper award at the EDSIG Conference on Computing Education in 2021, and the Best Paper award at the Conference on Information Systems Applied Research in 2022. Bringing insights from research and industry into the classroom is Dr. Slonka’s favorite part of academia.
In addition to being in higher education since 2007, Dr. Slonka has also worked in industry since 1999 in various full-time and part-time roles and continues to do so, keeping his knowledge current. He has worked at various Department of Defense contractors on civilian and military projects and also for a Managed Service Provider, where he led cyber security efforts for local defense contractors, healthcare institutions, financial institutions, law firms, and many others.
Michael Zambotti
Michael Zambotti is a cybersecurity educator and consultant with extensive experience in the Finance and Legal industries. Michael teaches courses on Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) and Cybercrime as well as foundational cybersecurity classes at Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA. His practical experience and academic background uniquely position him to provide valuable insights to organizations to provide strategic consulting and align cybersecurity with business goals. Michael holds a degree in Finance from Penn State University and a Master's in Cybersecurity and Intelligence from Utica University.