AI-driven scams are on the rise, making it crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and not solely rely on the government for protection. Voice cloning, powered by AI, is being used to deceive individuals through fake phone calls, posing as friends, family members, or co-workers. The Identity Theft Resource Center warns that it can be challenging to distinguish between a legitimate call and a scam in the age of AI-driven fraud.
These scams have evolved over the years as AI technology advances, enabling scammers to not only clone celebrities and public figures but also ordinary individuals. The scammers only need as little as three seconds of a voice to create a convincing clone with various features like accents, age ranges, and background sounds. The scams can take different forms, from spreading election misinformation to conducting kidnapping for ransom schemes. The increasing accessibility and usability of AI technology have made it easier for fraudsters to carry out these deceptive acts.
Though the Federal Trade Commission has prohibited government agencies from using AI to contact individuals, cyberthieves are constantly seeking personal information regardless. In order to protect oneself from falling victim to these scams, it is essential to remain cautious and follow certain safeguards. These include hanging up and contacting the person who was supposedly calling to verify the situation, being attentive to unusual statements or requests, avoiding personalized voicemail messages, and being wary of individuals seeking money or personal information under urgent circumstances.
If an individual suspects that they have been scammed, it is recommended to report the incident to the local police and the FTC. The FTC shares its reports with numerous law enforcement agencies to investigate and take action against perpetrators of fraudulent activities. In the face of escalating AI-driven scams, individuals must take responsibility for safeguarding their personal information and remaining vigilant against potential threats, rather than waiting for government intervention.
