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Impact Advisors Group | Duxbury Massachusetts | Warrington Pennsylvania
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Artificial Intelligence AI Friend or Foe

Business Planning: AI - Friend or Foe?

Author: Brandon Jordan, CFP®, CHFC®, CEPA®, CVGA®, CLU®, MSA, EA | CEO of Impact Advisors Group

AI isn’t just chasing the rules of the game, it’s changing the game itself.  It can help improve the effectiveness and efficiency of nearly any objective…. even objects with malicious intent. As technology continues to advance, so do the tactics used by bad actors. One of the fastest-growing concerns today is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to carry out more sophisticated and convincing fraud schemes—especially phishing attempts and impersonation.

The goal of this note is simple: To protect your business and your family by helping you stay one step ahead.

What’s Changing

AI is making scams more believable than ever. Fraudsters can now:

  • Mimic writing styles and tone to impersonate trusted contacts.
  • Generate realistic emails, texts, and even voice messages.
  • Create urgent, emotionally compelling scenarios designed to prompt quick action.

In short, it’s getting harder to rely on “gut instinct” alone.

What’s Changing

Practical Steps You Can Take

Here are a few best practices to help protect yourself:

1. Slow Down and Verify
If you receive an unexpected request involving money, sensitive information, or urgency—pause. Always verify through a separate, trusted communication channel.

2. Be Cautious with Links and Attachments
Even if a message appears legitimate, PLEASE avoid clicking links or downloading files unless you are certain of the sender. When in doubt, go directly to the source (e.g., type the website manually).

3. Watch for Subtle Red Flags
AI-generated messages can be polished, but still may include:

  • Slightly unusual phrasing.
  • Requests that are out of character.
  • Pressure to act immediately.

4. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Adding an extra layer of security significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access—even if your password is compromised.

5. Limit What You Share Publicly
The more information available online, the easier it is for bad actors to craft convincing, personalized messages.

6. When in Doubt, Reach Out
If something feels off—especially if it appears to come from me or anyone on our team—please contact us directly using known contact information before taking any action.

Our Commitment to You

Protecting your financial well-being goes beyond markets and planning—it includes helping you stay secure in an evolving digital world.

If you ever have questions or want to walk through additional safeguards, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re not cybersecurity experts, but we are certainly here to help.

Impact Advisors Group LLC (“[IAG]”) is a registered investment advisor offering advisory services in the State of Massachusetts and in other jurisdictions where exempted. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The information on this site is not intended as tax, accounting or legal advice, as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, or other securities or non-securities offering. This information should not be relied upon as the sole factor in an investment making decision. Past performance is no indication of future results. Investment in securities involves significant risk and has the potential for partial or complete loss of funds invested. It should not be assumed that any recommendations made will be profitable or equal any performance noted on this site. The information on this site is provided “AS IS” and without warranties of any kind either express or implied. To the fullest extent permissible pursuant to applicable laws, Impact Advisors Group disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability, non-infringement, and suitability for a particular purpose. IAG does not warrant that the information on this site will be free from error. Your use of the information is at your sole risk. Under no circumstances shall IAG be liable for any direct, indirect, special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, the information provided on this site, even if IAG or a IAG authorized representative has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Information contained on this site should not be considered a solicitation to buy, an offer to sell, or a recommendation of any security in any jurisdiction where such offer, solicitation, or recommendation would be unlawful or unauthorized.

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