I recently read about a Los Angeles dad that was swindled out of $25,000 after fraudsters used artificial intelligence to replicate his son's voice and tricked him into sending money.  According to the news report, this dad got a phone call that he believed was from his son.  The son’s AI cloned voice told him he got into an accident and struck a pregnant woman who was rushed to the hospital.  After a brief conversation, the dad hung up and then got another call from a lawyer named Michael Roberts.  The lawyer told the dad he needed $9,200 for his son's bail, otherwise his son would be in jail for at least 45 days.  The dad called his son back to figure out what was going on, but it went to voicemail.  As a result, he assumed his son was in jail.  Next the dad went to the bank, withdrew the $9,200, called the lawyer back, who conveniently had an uber on standby to pick up the “bail,” due to the urgency.  After the uber picked up the $9,200, the lawyer called back a couple more times to report the “bail” had been raised, first to $15,800 then to $25,000.  Again, the dad went to the bank, made withdrawals and again the uber conveniently stopped to get the “bail.”     

​Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing many industries, but it's also empowering scammers with sophisticated tools to deceive and defraud individuals.  Three of these tools are AI AI scams, computer security, cyber security companies, online security, computer security companies, anti-virus software, computer repair, computers for sale, malware protection, malware removal, managed IT services, remote IT support, computer service, ransomware detection, ransomware protection, backup hard drive, cloud backup for business, commercial grade route, computer backup, computer network backupgenerated voice cloning, phishing emails, and deepfake video.  In the case of the Los Angeles dad, he obviously had some time to do the running around for the scammers, but he could have easily been duped into wiring the money from his keyboard.   AI-driven scams are becoming increasingly prevalent, making it crucial for individuals to understand these threats and know how to protect themselves.  Below, let’s explore how scammers are using AI generated voice cloning, phishing emails, and deepfake video, then what you can do to protect yourself.    

How Scammers Exploit AI to Deceive Victims

1. Voice Cloning for Impersonation

Scammers are leveraging AI to clone voices, creating convincing audio impersonations of loved ones or authority figures. By extracting voice samples from social media or other sources, they can generate audio clips that sound remarkably authentic. These cloned voices are then used in phone calls to fabricate emergencies, such as a family member needing bail money, compelling victims to transfer funds urgently.

2. AI-Generated Phishing Emails

Traditional phishing emails often contain telltale signs like poor grammar or generic content. However, with AI, scammers can craft personalized and grammatically correct emails that mimic the writing style of trusted contacts or organizations. These emails may contain malicious links or requests for sensitive information, making them more effective at deceiving recipients. ​

3. Deepfake Videos for Fraudulent Activities

AI scams, computer security, cyber security companies, online security, computer security companies, anti-virus software, computer repair, computers for sale, malware protection, malware removal, managed IT services, remote IT support, computer service, ransomware detection, ransomware protection, backup hard drive, cloud backup for business, commercial grade route, computer backup, computer network backupDeepfake technology enables the creation of realistic videos where individuals appear to say or do things they never did. Scammers use deepfakes to impersonate executives or public figures, instructing employees or followers to transfer funds or divulge confidential information. The convincing nature of these videos can lead to significant financial losses before the deception is uncovered. ​

Protecting Yourself Against AI-Powered Scams

  • Verify Identities Independently: If you receive an urgent request from a loved one or authority figure, contact them through a known and trusted method to confirm the request's authenticity.​
  • Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Communications: Unexpected emails or calls requesting personal information or money should be treated with caution, even if they appear to come from familiar sources.​
  • Limit Personal Information Online: Scammers often gather data from social media to craft convincing scams. Be mindful of the information you share publicly.​
  • Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implementing MFA on your accounts adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for scammers to gain unauthorized access.​
  • Stay Informed: Regularly educate yourself about emerging scam tactics and share this knowledge with friends and family to build collective awareness.​

Bottom LineAI scams, computer security, cyber security companies, online security, computer security companies, anti-virus software, computer repair, computers for sale, malware protection, malware removal, managed IT services, remote IT support, computer service, ransomware detection, ransomware protection, backup hard drive, cloud backup for business, commercial grade route, computer backup, computer network backup

If you need help updating or auditing your personal or business computer network’s cyber security, don’t hesitate to contact RB’s Computer Service today at 763-441-3884 or email us at help@rbsmn.com.  As AI technology continues to evolve, so too will the methods employed by scammers. By understanding these tactics and remaining vigilant, individuals can better protect themselves from falling victim to AI-powered fraud.  In addition to cybersecurity, RB’s Computer Service provides ransomware strategies and sells the best commercial-grade firewall routers, best laptop computers, best desktop computers, business computers, computer parts, and computer monitors.  We also provide computer repair, iPhone and smartphone repair, and tablet repairs to customers and clients throughout central Minnesota and St. Cloud.

References

Fraudsters use voice-cloning AI to scam man out of $25K

https://abc7chicago.com/post/scammers-use-voice-cloning-artificial-intelligence-ai-swindle-man-25k-los-angeles-police-talk-how-avoid/15441538/

Nine Ways to Protect Yourself From ‘Impostor’ Voice Scams

https://www.wsj.com/tech/personal-tech/ai-voice-imposter-scam-tips-99ce7164

Deepfakes and Wire Fraud: How to Protect Transactions from AI Impersonators

https://www.certifid.com/article/deepfakes-and-wire-fraud-how-to-protect-transactions-from-ai-impersonators