AI voice message scams can target your money. Here’s how to stay protected
You know the stories… A CEO was scammed out of $233,000 when someone copied the voice of his parent company’s boss. A 75-year-old woman lost nearly $27,500 because she thought her grandson was in trouble.
For just $4, anyone can imitate a voice with super cheap, super powerful artificial intelligence software. I know the tricks these scammers use so you don’t fall for them.
I’m giving away a $1,000 gift card to your favorite airline. Try my free tech newsletter to join!
10 popular tactics
In the age of TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn and YouTube, where we broadcast our lives (and our voices) to the world, scammers have an easy time.
They extract voice samples, feed them into their AI machines, and produce frighteningly accurate voice clones. This sets the stage for a fraud that is as emotionally brutal as it is ingenious.
Pro tip: Unless you want to be a successful influencer or are a public figure, you should set your social media profiles to private. With a public account, you simply reveal too much.
Here is a list of the 10 most common scams to help you spot this nonsense before you fall for it:
Surprise at the summer camp for children: There has been a gas leak and they need to evacuate immediately. The camp counselor wants you to pay for a hotel room and bus fare for your child.
Charity Request: A voice that you have probably heard on television is called Youlooking for cash to help disaster victims. What is your credit card number?
Neighbor needs help: She’s crying because her dog was hit by a car and she took him to the vet. You’re going to pay the bill now, right?
Auto parts emergency: Your trusted mechanic calls with bad news: you are not allowed to drive your car because there was a major recall and you need to buy the parts. Now!
Urgent business expenses: Your boss is calling from an unknown number. He is at a business conference and needs to transfer money urgently for unexpected expenses. Can you do this right away?
Medical emergency: The panicked voice of a relative tells you that he has had a serious accident and needs money immediately to pay the hospital bill before he can receive treatment.
Stuck in prison: Your child has been arrested and needs bail immediately. You are instructed to wire the money to a specific account before things get any worse.
Supply interruption: A representative from the power company, who sounds exactly like someone you have spoken to before, says that your service will be shut off if you do not immediately Payment.
Fundraising for the school: Your child’s school principal calls and asks for donations for a new project. All they need to process the donation is your credit card information.
Travel problems: A good friend calls from vacation. He lost his wallet and is stranded. Can you transfer some money to pay the hotel bill and the return flight?
These are just a few examples. There are Thousands more where they came from.
Your action plan
Before you think about selling the family silver or emptying your savings account, let’s talk about strategy. You need to know about it now so you’re prepared Before something scary happens.
◾ Check the caller ID: If the call comes from a number you don’t recognize, or worse, a blocked or hidden number, that’s a big red flag. Even if it sounds like your child or mother is on the other end, hang up and then dial the number on their cell phone.
◾ Verify with video: Fraudsters have also used AI video in high-profile scams, such as those involving a business. But most low-budget scams don’t go that far.
◾ Buy time: If the voice on the other end claims that the person is in distress – for example, they have caused an accident or are being held – tell them that you will help but want to find out what is going on first. Immediately try to reach the person by other means or contact someone who may know their whereabouts.
◾ Money makes the world go round: If someone asks for a wire transfer or a Bitcoin payment, you should be warned of a scam. Real emergencies do not involve specific, shady requests for payment.
People fall for this kind of thing every day. Take care of the people in your life by sharing this story. It could save someone’s financial future.
Get the latest in technology on The Kim Komando Show, the country’s biggest weekend talk show. Kim takes calls and offers advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. Find her daily tips, free newsletters and more on her website.
Ayra Starr reveals what advice Chris Brown gave her during the 11:11 tour
Book Club Check-in: We Need to Talk About Claudia from Subduction
A heat warning is in effect for the region due to a heat index value of 105 | Weather
About The Author
