Imagine receiving a call from an unknown number, only to hear your child’s terrified voice crying for help. This is exactly what happened to Sarita Khanna*, a mother from Khargone, Madhya Pradesh, when she received a call claiming that her daughter had been kidnapped. The caller demanded a ransom and threatened that she would never see her daughter again if she didn’t comply.
In a state of panic, Sarita transferred a sum of Rs 50,000 to the scammer before her daughter called back to inform her that she was safe and sound in her hostel. It turns out that this scam relied on the use of AI-powered voice cloning software to recreate the voice of the victim’s loved ones, causing immense distress and victimizing unsuspecting parents.
How does the scam work?
The scamsters behind this new scheme are utilizing artificial intelligence-powered voice cloning software, which only requires a few seconds of audio to create an 85% match to the original voice. The software has become easily accessible, and scammers can gather voice samples from social media to produce convincing fake calls. This disturbing trend has been observed not only in India but also globally.
According to a study by software security company McAfee, more than half of adults surveyed across seven countries, including India, shared their voices on social media at least once a week. Shockingly, 77% of victims targeted by AI voice scams reported financial losses.
Can these calls be identified as fake?
According to cybersecurity experts, such as former IPS officer Triveni Singh, these synthetic imitations can be identified as fake if the listener pays close attention. While the clones may sound convincing at first, careful observation can reveal discrepancies in the conversation that expose the call as fraudulent.
However, Singh acknowledges that most people fall victim to these scams due to fear and panic. The threatening nature of the calls often overwhelms individuals, leading them to comply with the scammer’s demands without questioning the authenticity of the situation.
Real-life stories of victims
The accounts of victims paint a distressing picture of the impact of these scams. One Lucknow-based government official received a call claiming that his son had been arrested for drug possession. Manipulated by the scammer’s clever use of his son’s voice, the desperate father transferred the demanded amount without hesitation.
Another tactic employed by scammers is to call from foreign phone numbers and deceive people by posing as a friend in need or a family member facing a crisis. These criminals play on the emotions of their targets, exploiting their vulnerability and willingness to help.
Wider implications of voice cloning software
Voice cloning software is not only being used to perpetrate scams but also to create deepfake audio and video content. The availability of this technology raises concerns regarding privacy and security. While it provides innovative opportunities for various applications, it also poses risks for misuse and deception.
Experts emphasize the need for increased awareness and vigilance in the face of these scams. By staying informed about such threats and paying close attention to suspicious calls, individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to voice cloning scams.
FAQ
What is voice cloning software?
Voice cloning software utilizes artificial intelligence to create replicas of individuals’ voices by analyzing and replicating their vocal patterns and nuances.
How do scammers acquire voice samples for cloning?
Scammers often obtain voice samples from social media platforms where individuals frequently share audio content. Additionally, they can access audio recordings or video calls that might be publicly available.
Can voice cloning calls be distinguished from real ones?
With careful attention and scrutiny, voice cloning calls can be identified as fake. Discrepancies in the conversation, lack of personalization, or unfamiliar demands can indicate the authenticity of the call.
What should I do if I receive a suspicious voice cloning call?
If you receive a suspicious call that seems to be a voice cloning scam, it is crucial to stay calm and avoid panic. Assess the situation, consider the authenticity of the demands, and verify the information by contacting the alleged victim or relevant authorities. Lastly, report the incident to the appropriate law enforcement agencies to prevent further scams.
Sources:
mcafee.com,
indiatoday.in
Imagine receiving a call from an unknown number, only to hear your child’s terrified voice crying for help. This is exactly what happened to Sarita Khanna*, a mother from Khargone, Madhya Pradesh, when she received a call claiming that her daughter had been kidnapped. The caller demanded a ransom and threatened that she would never see her daughter again if she didn’t comply.
In a state of panic, Sarita transferred a sum of Rs 50,000 to the scammer before her daughter called back to inform her that she was safe and sound in her hostel. It turns out that this scam relied on the use of AI-powered voice cloning software to recreate the voice of the victim’s loved ones, causing immense distress and victimizing unsuspecting parents.
How does the scam work?
The scamsters behind this new scheme are utilizing artificial intelligence-powered voice cloning software, which only requires a few seconds of audio to create an 85% match to the original voice. The software has become easily accessible, and scammers can gather voice samples from social media to produce convincing fake calls. This disturbing trend has been observed not only in India but also globally.
According to a study by software security company McAfee, more than half of adults surveyed across seven countries, including India, shared their voices on social media at least once a week. Shockingly, 77% of victims targeted by AI voice scams reported financial losses.
Can these calls be identified as fake?
According to cybersecurity experts, such as former IPS officer Triveni Singh, these synthetic imitations can be identified as fake if the listener pays close attention. While the clones may sound convincing at first, careful observation can reveal discrepancies in the conversation that expose the call as fraudulent.
However, Singh acknowledges that most people fall victim to these scams due to fear and panic. The threatening nature of the calls often overwhelms individuals, leading them to comply with the scammer’s demands without questioning the authenticity of the situation.
Real-life stories of victims
The accounts of victims paint a distressing picture of the impact of these scams. One Lucknow-based government official received a call claiming that his son had been arrested for drug possession. Manipulated by the scammer’s clever use of his son’s voice, the desperate father transferred the demanded amount without hesitation.
Another tactic employed by scammers is to call from foreign phone numbers and deceive people by posing as a friend in need or a family member facing a crisis. These criminals play on the emotions of their targets, exploiting their vulnerability and willingness to help.
Wider implications of voice cloning software
Voice cloning software is not only being used to perpetrate scams but also to create deepfake audio and video content. The availability of this technology raises concerns regarding privacy and security. While it provides innovative opportunities for various applications, it also poses risks for misuse and deception.
Experts emphasize the need for increased awareness and vigilance in the face of these scams. By staying informed about such threats and paying close attention to suspicious calls, individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to voice cloning scams.
What is voice cloning software?
Voice cloning software utilizes artificial intelligence to create replicas of individuals’ voices by analyzing and replicating their vocal patterns and nuances.
How do scammers acquire voice samples for cloning?
Scammers often obtain voice samples from social media platforms where individuals frequently share audio content. Additionally, they can access audio recordings or video calls that might be publicly available.
Can voice cloning calls be distinguished from real ones?
With careful attention and scrutiny, voice cloning calls can be identified as fake. Discrepancies in the conversation, lack of personalization, or unfamiliar demands can indicate the authenticity of the call.
What should I do if I receive a suspicious voice cloning call?
If you receive a suspicious call that seems to be a voice cloning scam, it is crucial to stay calm and avoid panic. Assess the situation, consider the authenticity of the demands, and verify the information by contacting the alleged victim or relevant authorities. Lastly, report the incident to the appropriate law enforcement agencies to prevent further scams.
Sources:
mcafee.com,
indiatoday.in
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