On the Rise: The Surge of Voice Cloning Scams & How to Safeguard Yourself

With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), we have witnessed a revolution in various sectors, from healthcare to entertainment. However, this technological...

With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), we have witnessed a revolution in various sectors, from healthcare to entertainment. However, this technological leap hasn't been entirely beneficial. Voice cloning, a byproduct of AI technology, has become a tool for scammers to exploit innocent people. Recently, law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), have reported an alarming rise in AI voice cloning scams.

Is Voice Cloning Real?

Yes, voice cloning is real and facilitated by advanced AI technology. Voice cloning technology allows the creation of near-perfect replicas of any voice by learning its unique characteristics from a short audio sample. Companies like OpenAI, with their powerful models like ChatGPT, are at the forefront of generative AI technologies which have the potential for such applications.

What are People Using to Clone Voices?

Several AI software and applications available on the market are used for voice cloning. Here are the top 8:

1. Lyrebird: Acquired by Descript, Lyrebird provides a user-friendly platform to clone voices.
2. Resemble AI: Known for generating high-quality cloned voices for businesses.
3. iSpeech: Popular for creating realistic speech synthesis in multiple languages.
4. CereVoice Me: Offers personalized digital voices for assistive tech users.
5. Baidu Deep Voice: Capable of cloning a voice with just a few minutes of audio.
6. VocaliD: Specializes in crafting unique digital voices for branding or personal use.
7. Real-Time Voice Cloning Toolbox: An open-source project that clones a voice in real-time.
8. Modulate: Offers voice skins that let you customize your online voice in real-time.

What is the Point of Voice Cloning?

While voice cloning has some nefarious uses, it's important to remember its positive applications too. It can be used to restore speech to those who have lost their voice due to medical conditions. It can bring historical figures or fictional characters to life in movies or podcasts. Businesses use it to enhance their customer service chatbots and create personalized experiences.

How Do AI Voice Scams Work?

In voice cloning scams, cybercriminals use AI technology to mimic the voice of a trusted individual—be it a loved one or a public figure like Elon Musk. The cloned voice can be used in a phone call, voicemail, or social media platform like TikTok to execute the scam. For instance, an elderly grandparent might receive a call from a "family member" pleading for money after a supposed car accident. Alternately, a scammer might spoof a phone number to appear legitimate and request gift cards or cryptocurrency payments.

How are Voice Cloning Scams Being Used?

These scams are mainly used to extract money or sensitive information from victims. A Fox News report last month highlighted a case from Arizona where a woman was tricked into believing her son was kidnapped. The scammers used voice cloning to mimic her son's voice, leading her to transfer a large amount of money. Other cases have involved identity theft, phishing attempts, or even spreading misinformation.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself from Voice Cloning Scams?

Protecting yourself from such scams involves vigilance and knowledge. Never share personal information over a phone call, even if the caller sounds familiar. Be skeptical of urgent demands for money transfers, especially in the form of gift cards or cryptocurrencies. Establish a codeword with family members to authenticate unexpected calls. If you suspect a scam, report it to the FTC through their website (www.ftc.gov).

What is the Difficulty in Identifying a Voice Scam?

Identifying a voice scam can be challenging as AI improves the quality of voice cloning, making the cloned voice nearly indistinguishable from the real one. Moreover, with deepfake technology, cybercriminals can also produce convincing videos, furthering the deception.

What is the Best Way to Protect Your Voice?

To protect your voice from being cloned, be cautious about where and how you share voice recordings. Avoid sharing voice notes on unsecured social media platforms or answering unknown calls requesting voice authentication. Moreover, keep your voice assistants' interactions private and avoid sharing recordings of your voice on public platforms like podcasts without proper security measures.

Despite the challenges, cybersecurity companies are developing tools to detect AI-generated voice fraud. Law enforcement agencies are educating the public about these scams, and legislation is being drafted to combat this dark web menace. With continued vigilance and technological advancements, we can hope to stay one step ahead of the scammers.