Scammers have found a new way to deceive people using an old trick of impersonating loved ones in distress. But this time, they have added a dangerous twist by employing artificial intelligence (AI) to replicate voices in phony phone calls. The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers can now manipulate someone’s voice by extracting it from social media posts, videos, or even a short conversation.
The use of AI in scam calls has complicated matters, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between genuine callers and imposters. The scammers aim to provoke emotions, often using tactics like pretending to be in an accident, hospitalized, or arrested. They prey on the victim’s heart rather than their head, exploiting the natural instinct to help loved ones in need.
This fraudulent trend has garnered significant concern, with even President Biden expressing his support for taking action against certain uses of AI. During his State of the Union address, he emphasized the need to ban AI voice impersonations.
However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from falling victim to these scams. When receiving a distress call, it’s crucial to pause, take a deep breath, and evaluate the situation rationally. This will help you think clearly and prevent impulsive actions.
Additionally, there are red flags to watch out for that may indicate a scam. Scammers often request wired money transfers or insist on purchasing untraceable gift cards. By being cautious and avoiding these methods, you can avoid losing your hard-earned money.
To further safeguard yourself, seek the advice of others. Share the details of the suspicious call with the parents of your grandchildren, a trusted friend, or a neighbor. They may be able to spot inconsistencies or red flags that you might have missed due to emotional involvement.
Fortunately, there has been some progress in combating this type of scam. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently declared that robocalls utilizing AI voice cloning technology are illegal.
Stay informed and vigilant to protect yourself from this emerging threat of AI voice manipulation. Remember to think critically, seek guidance, and take precautionary measures when dealing with unfamiliar callers. Together, we can outsmart the scammers and ensure our safety in the digital age.
FAQ:
Q: What is AI voice manipulation?
A: AI voice manipulation refers to the use of artificial intelligence technology to replicate and manipulate someone’s voice in a way that allows scammers to impersonate individuals during phone calls.
Q: How can I protect myself from falling victim to these scams?
A: To protect yourself, it is important to pause, think rationally, and evaluate the situation when receiving a distress call. Be cautious of wired money transfers and gift card purchases, as these are common tactics employed by scammers. Seeking the advice of trusted individuals can also help identify red flags and inconsistencies in suspicious calls.
Q: Are AI voice cloning robocalls illegal?
A: Yes, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has declared that robocalls utilizing AI voice cloning technology are illegal.
Sources:
– Better Business Bureau: https://www.bbb.org
– Federal Communications Commission: https://www.fcc.gov
An FAQ section based on the main topics and information presented in the article:
Q: What is AI voice manipulation?
A: AI voice manipulation refers to the use of artificial intelligence technology to replicate and manipulate someone’s voice in a way that allows scammers to impersonate individuals during phone calls.
Q: How can I protect myself from falling victim to these scams?
A: To protect yourself, it is important to pause, think rationally, and evaluate the situation when receiving a distress call. Be cautious of wired money transfers and gift card purchases, as these are common tactics employed by scammers. Seeking the advice of trusted individuals can also help identify red flags and inconsistencies in suspicious calls.
Q: Are AI voice cloning robocalls illegal?
A: Yes, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has declared that robocalls utilizing AI voice cloning technology are illegal.
Definitions for key terms and jargon used within the article:
– Scammers: Individuals who deceive or defraud people by posing as someone else or by using deceptive tactics.
– Artificial Intelligence (AI): Technology that enables machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as speech recognition and natural language processing.
– Robocalls: Pre-recorded, automated phone calls that are made to a large number of people simultaneously.
– Impersonate: To pretend to be someone else, usually with the intent to deceive or defraud others.
– Red flags: Warning signs or indicators that something may be suspicious or fraudulent.
– Gift cards: Prepaid cards that can be used as a form of payment at specific retailers or businesses.
– Federal Communications Commission (FCC): A U.S. government agency responsible for regulating communications, including telephone services and roboocalls.
– Better Business Bureau (BBB): A nonprofit organization that aims to promote and foster marketplace trust by providing information, resources, and ratings on businesses.
Suggested related links:
– Better Business Bureau: link name
– Federal Communications Commission: link name
The source of the article is from the blog enp.gr