Artificial intelligence is making phone scams more sophisticated and believable.
Scam artists are now using the technology to clone voices, including those of friends and family, leading to emotional and financial devastation.
Key Takeaways
- AI technology is being used to clone voices for phone scams.
- Americans lost nearly $9 billion to fraud last year, a 150% increase in two years.
- Scammers can recreate a person's voice with just 10 minutes of audio.
- Experts recommend using a "code word" system and verifying calls.
The Rise of AI-Driven Scams
The use of artificial intelligence in phone scams is a disturbing trend that has left many victims emotionally devastated. Jennifer DeStefano, a mother, shared her terrifying experience during a U.S. Senate meeting. Scammers used the voice of her 15-year-old daughter, claiming they had her. Fortunately, her daughter was safe at home.
Financial Impact
According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost nearly $9 billion to fraud last year, marking an increase of over 150% in just two years. This alarming rise in financial loss is partly due to the sophistication of AI-driven scams.
Who is Most Affected?
Kathy Stokes, the AARP director of fraud prevention, noted that younger people experience fraud and financial loss more often than older people. However, the older generation often has more to lose, making them particularly vulnerable.
How AI Clones Voices
Pete Nicoletti, a cybersecurity expert at Check Point Software Technologies, explained that common software can recreate a person's voice after just 10 minutes of learning it. This makes it easier for scammers to deceive their victims.
Protective Measures
To protect against voice cloning scams, experts recommend the following measures:
- Adopt a "code word" system: Families should agree on a code word to verify the authenticity of distress calls.
- Verify the call: Always call the person back to confirm the situation.
- Set social media accounts to private: Publicly available information can be easily used against individuals.
By taking these precautions, individuals can better protect themselves from falling victim to these sophisticated scams.
