Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is launching a new Summer Scams Series, called Tech Traps, to focus on ways scammers may use technology to target Floridians.
The first installment in the series covers artificial intelligence voice scams where scammers will use sophisticated algorithms and voice-synthesis technology to mimic human voices and deceive victims into believing a phone call is from a known individual.
According to Moody’s office, the Federal Trade Commission recently reported that scammers are using AI to enhance a version of the grandparent scam.
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Using the new technology, the scammer pretends to have kidnapped a family member in an effort to extort money from relatives. A recent article tells the story of a mother receiving a scary phone call where a criminal claimed to have her daughter and impersonated the daughter’s voice using AI technology.
Moody said, “As a mother, I cannot imagine the fear that would come from hearing your child’s voice begging for help over the phone and a scammer threatening to kill your child. AI voice cloning poses a grave new threat, as it allows scammers to exploit our deepest fears to deceive and manipulate us. These scams can result in the loss of large amounts of money from people hoping to save a loved one.”
AI voice scams use voice technology to mimic human voices and deceive targets into believing a call is from a trusted individual or organization. Fraudsters can also use this technology to impersonate government agencies, financial institutions, customer support services and victims’ loved ones. Scammers utilize this method to steal personal information or money. Floridians who stay cautious and withhold information while on suspicious phone calls may avoid falling prey.
AI voice scams are a new and emerging type of fraud that uses artificial intelligence to create realistic-sounding voice recordings. These recordings can be used to impersonate anyone, including friends, family, or government officials. Scammers often use AI voice scams to trick victims into giving up personal information or money.
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There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from AI voice scams:
- Be suspicious of any calls or messages that seem urgent or demanding. Scammers often use these tactics to create a sense of urgency and pressure victims into making a decision quickly.
- Ask the caller to verify their identity. If you’re not sure who is calling, ask them to provide you with their name, contact information, and the reason for their call.
- Hang up if you’re not sure. If you’re still not sure if the call is legitimate, hang up and call the person back using a number you know is theirs.
- Be aware of the technology. Scammers are using AI voice technology to make their calls more realistic. If you’re not familiar with this technology, it can be difficult to tell if you’re talking to a real person or a recording.
If you think you’ve been the victim of an AI voice scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can also file a complaint with the FTC online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.
Here are some additional tips to help you avoid AI voice scams:
- Don’t share personal information over the phone. This includes your Social Security number, credit card number, or bank account information.
- Be careful about what you click on. Scammers often send links in emails or text messages that lead to malicious websites.
- Keep your software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help protect you from malware.
- Use a firewall and antivirus software. These programs can help protect your computer from viruses and other malware.
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from AI voice scams.
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