How to protect yourself from AI voice scams

In today’s digital age, scammers are constantly evolving their techniques to exploit unsuspecting individuals. With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, a new form of scamming has emerged — AI voice scams. These scams utilize AI voice cloning technology to deceive and defraud victims. In this article, we will explore what AI voice scams are, the top scams to look out for, and, most importantly, how to protect yourself from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.

What are AI voice scams?

AI voice scams involve the use of AI technology, specifically voice cloning tools, to impersonate someone known to the victim. Scammers use sophisticated algorithms to mimic the voice of a loved one, a family member, or even a well-known figure, creating a false sense of trust and familiarity. They then make unsolicited phone calls, pretending to be the person they are cloning, and attempt to manipulate victims into providing sensitive information, making payments, or engaging in other fraudulent activities.

Top AI voice scams to look out for

AI scam calls are a common method used by fraudsters to deceive individuals. These calls often involve a recorded message or an AI-generated voice attempting to trick you into providing sensitive information or making payments. Be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls, especially if they ask for personal details or financial transactions. Here are the top scams, including AI voice cloning scams, to be on the watch for:

• Impersonation scam — Scammers clone the voice of a family member or loved one and claim to be in distress or facing an emergency situation. They urgently request financial assistance or ask for sensitive information to resolve the supposed problem via phone call or voicemail.
• Tech support scams — Scammers pretend to be from a reputable tech support company and inform victims of a security issue with their device or account. They coax victims into providing remote access to their devices or sharing personal information, which can lead to identity theft or financial loss.
• Government agency scams — Scammers pose as representatives of government agencies, such as the IRS or Social Security Administration, and threaten victims with legal action or the suspension of benefits unless immediate payment is made.
• Prize or sweepstakes scams — Scammers inform victims that they have won a substantial prize or a large sum of money. To claim the prize, they request payment for taxes, processing fees, or ask for personal information that can be used for identity theft.
• Romance scams — Scammers create fake online personas and develop virtual relationships with victims. Once trust is established, they manipulate victims into sending money or providing financial assistance under false pretenses.
• Gift card scams — Fraudsters impersonate your boss and request you to purchase gift cards for them. Always verify such requests through a separate channel to ensure you’re not falling victim to a scam.
• Caller ID spoofing scams — Caller ID spoofing scams involve fraudsters manipulating the information displayed on your phone’s Caller ID to make it appear as if the call is coming from a different number or a trusted entity. These scams can be used for various deceptive purposes, such as impersonating a legitimate organization or tricking individuals into revealing personal information.

Prevalence of AI voice scams

AI voice scams have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the number of reported cases of voice cloning scams has been on the rise. While exact statistics are challenging to determine due to underreporting, the FTC estimates that scam victims lose millions of dollars annually to phone scams, including those involving AI.

Preventing and protecting against AI voice scams

Protecting yourself from AI voice scams requires a combination of awareness, skepticism, verification, and knowledge. Here are the top ways you can be proactive, take necessary precautions, significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to AI voice scams and safeguard your personal information and financial well-being.

Recognize red flags and unmute your suspicion

When receiving a call, pay attention to red flags that may indicate an AI voice scam. Listen for unnatural pauses or a distorted voice quality, as these could be signs of pre-recorded messages or voice synthesis software. If you suspect something is amiss, trust your instincts. It’s better to be cautious and skeptical than to become a victim of a scam.

Verify the identity of the caller

To protect yourself from AI voice scams, always verify the identity of the caller. Whether the unsolicited call is coming from a phone number you recognize or appears as an unknown number, be cautious if the call or request is suspicious. Use alternate means of communication, such as a known phone number or social media messaging, to reach out to the person directly and confirm the legitimacy of the call.

Beware of urgent requests

Scammers often create a sense of urgency to manipulate victims into making quick decisions. Be skeptical of high-pressure tactics and avoid providing sensitive information or making immediate payments, as legitimate organizations typically don’t use such tactics over the phone. Always take the time to verify the caller’s identity and contact the organization directly using a trusted phone number before taking any action.

Be skeptical of unexpected or out-of-character requests

Scammers using AI voice technology may attempt to catch you off guard with unexpected requests. For example, they might ask for sensitive personal information or financial assistance. Be skeptical of such requests, especially if they deviate from the normal behavior or communication patterns of the person they claim to be. Verify the legitimacy of the request before taking any action.

Guard personal information

Never provide sensitive information such as bank account details, social security numbers, or passwords over the phone, especially if the call is unsolicited or suspicious. It’s particularly wise to never provide this information unless you initiated the call and can verify the recipient’s identity. Additionally, be wary of scammers requesting payment through gift cards. Legitimate organizations typically do not request payment in the form of gift cards.

Stay informed

Stay updated on press releases and the latest news regarding AI voice scams, as well as other cybersecurity threats. By being informed, you can identify red flags, understand common scam techniques, and stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. Regularly check the FTC’s website and other reputable sources for updates on common scams and emerging techniques used by scammers. You can also listen to podcasts and cybersecurity experts to stay in the know.

Set a codeword

To protect yourself from phone scams, establish a unique codeword with your loved ones. In case of suspicious calls or emergencies, ask the caller to provide the codeword, as a legitimate family member or friend should be aware of it, helping you identify and avoid potential scams. You can also ask detailed questions only the real person would know.

Be cautious on social media

Exercise caution when sharing personal information on social media platforms. Scammers can gather information from public posts and use it to impersonate you or manipulate others. Be mindful of what you share, particularly on platforms like TikTok, which scammers may exploit for their malicious activities.

Strengthen your cybersecurity

You can sign up for reliable cybersecurity software such as McAfee or Liveness detection to protect your devices from malicious activities. McAfee offers comprehensive solutions to safeguard your personal information, detect and block potential threats, and provide peace of mind in an increasingly digital world. Liveness detection is a technology designed to differentiate between human voices and synthesized or recorded voices. You can also contact your phone service provider to inquire about call authentication features that can help verify the legitimacy of incoming calls. This can help protect against spam, spoofing, and fraudulent calls.

AI scam warning

Remember, while these measures can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to AI voice scams, scammers are constantly evolving their techniques. Therefore, it is crucial to remain vigilant, exercise caution, and employ your judgment when interacting with unknown or suspicious callers.

How to report AI voice scams

If you encounter an AI voice scam or suspect fraudulent activity, report it to the appropriate authorities and provide them with any relevant information or evidence you may have. Inform your local law enforcement agency and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). By reporting these incidents, you contribute to the collective effort of combating scams, help authorities track down fraudsters, and protect other potential victims.

Responsible and ethical AI

While fraudsters have created many AI voice scams, ethical AI has many uses. In fact, AI voice technology has been used to help creators craft voice overs, narrations, and dubbing for various media productions. It offers a valuable tool for enhancing the quality and efficiency of content creation. Ethical AI in voice technology ensures that the voice over industry benefits from automated processes while maintaining transparency and consent. Learn more about responsible AI today.

FAQ

Should I answer scam calls?

No, take advantage of technology such as caller ID and voicemail to screen calls. Let unknown calls go to voicemail, as scammers often avoid leaving messages or providing vague and generic information that raises suspicion.

How can I tell if a phone call is using a fake voice?

When receiving a phone call, pay close attention to the voice on the other end. AI voice scams often involve pre-recorded messages or voice synthesis software, resulting in unnatural pauses or a distorted voice quality. If you notice these signs during a call, be cautious and consider terminating the conversation.

What is deepfake technology?

Deepfake technology involves the use of AI to create realistic yet manipulated audio or video content.