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AI Voice Scams Are on the Rise. Here’s How to Protect Yourself.
As artificial intelligence (AI) enabled voice cloning tools become increasingly sophisticated, scammers have discovered a new way to dupe unsuspecting victims out of their hard-earned cash. AI voice scams are on the rise, with fraudsters using cloned voices to impersonate loved ones in distress and beg for financial assistance.
Scammers often target older individuals who may be more vulnerable due to their unfamiliarity with advanced technologies like AI. For instance, a caller might pose as a grandchild or other family member in a state of panic, demanding urgent financial support under the guise of an emergency. This tactic has proven particularly effective, with senior citizens losing roughly $3.4 billion in various financial crimes in 2023 alone.
The FBI warns that AI has significantly enhanced the “believability” of criminal scams by allowing fraudsters to create convincing content and correct for human errors that could serve as warning signs of fraud. Such scams have become so prevalent that law enforcement officials recommend a simple yet effective strategy: creating a family safe word, combined with a protocol for verifying the identity of loved ones.
This “safe word” is a unique phrase or code chosen by family members to use in times of crisis. It should be difficult to guess and not easily searchable online. Experts advise against using obvious identifiers like street names, alma maters, or other readily available information that could aid scammers.
The key to avoiding these scams lies in establishing a strict verification protocol before releasing any funds. Whenever you are asked for financial assistance, insist that the caller verify their identity by providing additional proof of who they claim to be. Never transfer money without verifying the safe word first.
Additionally, experts stress the importance of developing a robust cybersecurity posture, likening it to securing your home against intruders. They emphasize that even with this technology, scammers are unlikely to target those who maintain strong digital security.
Source: http://www.cbsnews.com
