AI Scams: What to know before sending money

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Holiday money sent abroad can help cover gifts, groceries, bills and emergencies, but transfer costs, delivery times and fraud risks can complicate that support.

Families must consider how much a payment will cost, when it will arrive and what protections are available if something goes wrong. AI-generated messages and cloned voices add another concern: an urgent request for money may sound like a loved one even when it comes from an impersonator.

Journalist and consumer expert Claudia Lombana joined us to discuss these concerns and findings from the new Visa Money Travels 2026 report. Nearly one in five U.S. senders cuts back on personal spending to support someone abroad, while 68 percent send or receive international payments several times a year or more. Lombana will explain what consumers should compare before choosing a transfer service and precautions to verify suspicious requests. She’ll also explore newer payment options such as stablecoins and how trusted providers and hypothetical safeguards influence consumers’ willingness to use them.

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