Watch out for a new breed of scams! Criminals are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to clone voices and deceive unsuspecting individuals into giving away their money or sensitive information. The new AI Voice-Cloning Scams are a sneaky tactic that’s on the rise, but you can arm yourself with knowledge to stay safe.

Understanding the Threat:

Voice cloning, also known as voice synthesis or mimicry, is a technology that enables individuals to replicate voices with astonishing accuracy. Originally developed for benign purposes like voice assistants, it has unfortunately become a tool for malicious actors seeking to exploit victims. According to Jasdev Dhaliwal from McAfee, the danger is real, and it’s important to be aware of the risks posed by these AI Voice-Cloning scams.

How AI Voice-Cloning Scammers Operate:

Scammers use AI-powered voice cloning to impersonate trusted individuals, such as family members or authority figures, over the phone. They create convincing replicas that sound remarkably like the real person, making it difficult for victims to discern the authenticity of the call.

The Tactics to Defend Against AI Voice-Cloning Scams:

1. Establishing a Safe Word: Set up a secret word or phrase with your loved ones that only you know. If someone calls unexpectedly asking for money or sensitive information, ask them for the safe word. If they can’t provide it, it’s likely a scam.
2. Verification Through Personal Questions: Quiz the caller with personal details that only the real person would know, such as shared memories or past experiences. This helps confirm their identity and exposes imposters.

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Additional Precautionary Measures:

• Avoid sending money through unconventional means, especially in response to unexpected phone calls.
• Never disclose personal or financial information over the phone, no matter how convincing the caller sounds.
• Enroll in the Do Not Call Registry and use spam call-filtering apps to reduce exposure to fraudulent calls.
• Exercise discretion when sharing phone numbers online or with unfamiliar parties.
• Report any suspicious activity, particularly sudden requests for money using unfamiliar methods, to the authorities immediately.

Don’t let scammers use AI to trick you! Stay vigilant and follow these strategies to protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to AI voice-cloning scams. With awareness and caution, you can outsmart the fraudsters and keep your finances and personal information safe.