This is a digital age and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought many conveniences. However, it has also invited some new threats and especially in the form of AI-powered scam calls. The scams are increasingly becoming sophisticated. It is suggested to adopt effective strategies to protect ourselves. Let us explore the evolving world of AI scams. Let us also explore the ways to shield from such high-tech frauds.
AI Voice Cloning Threat
Generative AI tools are gradually becoming easily accessible in various sectors. It is also cloning people’s voices too. It is enabling scammers to create fake but convincing audio. The AI voice clones are trained on existing audio clips of human speech. It allows them to imitate almost anyone and the latest models can even speak in multiple languages. ChatGPT maker OpenAI lately announced a new text-to-speech model and it could enhance voice cloning capabilities further. It can make them more accessible. The risk of falling victim to AI scams may further increase.
Fake Emergency Call
Just imagine that have answered a random call from a family member. The person was breathless over the phone and explained that there has been a horrible car accident. The next sentence was to urgently send money or the person will go to jail. The voice on the line was filled with desperation. The person was pleading for immediate help. Next, you felt something was wrong in the phone call after hanging up. You called back directly and the answer was very different. The other end had no idea what you were talking about. Well, congratulations! You just avoided an AI scam call. The scenario highlights need for vigilance and verification in the face of such scams.
Detecting AI Audio
AI audio is not easy to hard to detect as tech startups are rapidly advancing in replicating near-perfect human speech. The previous tips for detecting fake calls were listening for pregnant pauses or latency. Now, the AI audio sounds much more convincing. Security experts emphasize the progress is highly rapid and traditional detection methods are no longer reliable.
Strategy 1: Hang Up and Call Back
One of the most effective strategies to safeguard is to hang up and call back. Scammers can easily spoof legitimate phone numbers and make the call look like being processed from a government agency, bank or loved one. It is suggested to be proactive. If you receive a call for money or personal information, simply ask to call them back. Look up the number online or in your contact list. Initiate a follow-up conversation. You can also send a message through a different verified line of communication. It can be a video chat or an email. Michael Jabbara, global head of fraud services at Visa, highlighted the importance of being proactive in verifying suspicious calls.
Strategy 2: Create a Secret Safe Word
Creating a secret safe word with your loved ones is a good practice. The word or phrase should be secret and known just to you and your family members. It can be used to verify identity over the phone. The strategy is highly useful for young children and elderly relatives. Experts suggest prenegotiating a word or phrase that could be used to prove identity.
Strategy 3: Ask Personal Questions
Asking a personal question can help in verifying identity. Ask something specific like “Can you remind me what we had for dinner last night?” Ensure the question is specific and the scammer fails to answer correctly.
Any Voice Can Be Cloned
Any voice can be mimicked in this advanced AI phase. Deepfake can clone with as little as five to ten seconds of audio from social media posts or professional videos. It is learned that even your outgoing voicemail message could be enough to clone. Experts stated that many underestimate the ease with which their voices can be cloned. It only takes a few seconds of audio to create a convincing replica.
Strategy 4: Don’t Give in to Emotional Appeals
Experienced scammers are able to build your trust. They can create a sense of urgency and thereafter exploit your emotional vulnerabilities. Best scammers understand human behavior more than technical hacking. Taking a moment to reflect and not acting on impulse can be the difference between getting scammed and staying safe. Experts suggest to be cautious of any situation that triggers a strong emotional response.
Staying Informed and Vigilant
Staying informed about the latest AI advancements and scam tactics is crucial. Educate yourself regularly on new fraud schemes. Share the information with family members and particularly with those who might be more vulnerable.
Role of Technology in Combating AI Scams
AI is also a powerful tool for combating fraud. Companies are developing AI-based solutions to detect such scam calls and prevent the same. Voice authentication systems can easily analyze voice patterns and verify the identity of callers. Hence, it will become hard for scammers to succeed. Adopting the technologies and staying aware of their capabilities can enhance security.
Verdict
The digital world is advancing towards AI and it is increasingly capable of mimicking human voices. Staying vigilant and employing strategies can help in protecting from AI scam calls. The key is to be proactive and verify suspicious calls. It is equally important to educate yourself and family members. By doing so, you can navigate the digital landscape with confidence and security.
