Artificial intelligence is becoming a tool being used by fraudsters.
In recent years, scams have evolved in increasingly complex and surprising ways in the United States. However, with the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) applications and software, the technology has become a new tool for unscrupulous individuals to deceive others in more sophisticated and subtle ways.
AI Voice Cloning: A New Strategy for Fraudsters
Federal regulators have issued a warning to citizens regarding a new method of scamming using artificial intelligence. In this mode, scammers can make phone calls that appear to come from family or friends, using an AI-generated "clone of their voice."
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has alerted the public about AI-generated voice clone calls, noting that scammers can obtain voice recordings of your family members on social networks and then use voice cloning software to make their calls sound exactly like those of your loved ones.
How It Works
This new fraud tactic works is surprisingly effective. Scammers obtain voice recordings from social media or other online sources, allowing them to accurately recreate the voice of a family member or friend. Using voice cloning technology, scammers can make calls that sound indistinguishable from the real voice of the person they are impersonating.
How to Protect Yourself
The FTC has provided tips to protect you from this emerging threat. If you receive a call where someone who sounds like a family member or friend is asking for money, especially if they are requesting wire transfers, cryptocurrencies or gift cards, it is important to take precautions. The FTC suggests hanging up immediately and calling the person directly to verify their story before making any transactions.
Growth of AI Scams
The trend of using artificial intelligence in scam schemes is steadily growing. These technological advances have enabled fraudsters to create convincing and difficult-to-detect scenarios. Cybercrime experts warn that the combination of voice cloning and AI-powered chatbots has led to an increase in the number of scams.
Numerous cases have been reported where people have fallen victim to this mode of fraud. From calls from "family members" in distress asking for money to more complex situations where scammers clone both the voice and appearance of the person to trick their victims via video call.
The Need to Verify Identity
Experts emphasize the importance of carefully verifying the identity of the person making the request for money or information. As voice cloning technology becomes more advanced and accessible to fraudsters, it is critical to exercise caution when conducting financial transactions based on phone calls.
The use of artificial intelligence in scams represents a growing challenge to the security of individuals. Scammers' tactics are becoming increasingly elaborate and difficult to detect. Staying alert and following the recommendations of regulatory authorities is essential to protect yourself from this new form of technology-driven fraud.