In a distressing incident, an 82-year-old man living in the Sugar Land area of Houston, Texas, fell victim to scammers who utilized advanced AI-generated voice technology to impersonate his son-in-law and a supposed police officer. The scammers successfully swindled the elderly man out of a substantial sum, amounting to $17,000.
The scammers convinced the man that his son-in-law had been involved in a serious accident and needed money to bail him out of jail.
The victim, identified only as Jerry, received a call on October 21 from a stranger who introduced himself as Sgt. Matthew from the San Antonio Police Department.
Another voice, which Jerry believed to be his son-in-law’s, came on the line and asked Jerry to help pay for his release.
Jerry was convinced to withdraw a total of $17,000 and hire a courier to deliver the cash from the assisted living facility where he resided with his wife.
The scammers used AI-generated voice technology to make it sound like the victim’s son-in-law was on the phone. This made it easier for the scammers to gain the victim’s trust and convince him to send them money.
Despite noting down the license plate numbers of the vehicles that drove off with his money, leads to any linked courier services have turned up short.
AI experts have noted an uptick in similar schemes that rely on voice cloning devices over the past year.
With audio samples that span as little as three to 10 seconds, scammers can realistically replicate a person’s voice.
These short clips can be taken from phone calls, social media, or other corners of the internet.
These scams generally require multiple people to carry out. There are gangs of such scammers researching on social media and gathering data about potential victims, others cloning the voices, and some committing the act of calling and picking up money from the victim’s house.
Reddit User Shares Story of Aunt Scammed by AI-Generated Call
Experts have noted that scams that rely on AI have become more common in the past year.
A similar incident was shared on Reddit, a user recounted their aunt’s encounter with an AI-generated scam call.
The user commented that their aunt received a scam call from someone claiming to be the user. The scammer didn’t know the user’s name, but when the aunt asked which nephew they were referring to, the scammer said “the good looking one.” The aunt assumed it was the user and was skeptical enough not to give the scammer any money, but she did call the user the next day to ask if they had been in jail and needed money to pay the cops or lawyer.
This narrative serves as a stark reminder of the convincing nature of AI-generated scams, where the use of technology and emotional appeal can lead to distressing outcomes.
Safeguarding Against such AI Scams?
Protecting oneself from these types of scams requires a combination of caution, awareness, and proactive measures. Here are some steps individuals can take to safeguard themselves from falling victim to AI-generated scams:
- Be skeptical of unsolicited calls: It’s important to maintain a healthy level of skepticism when receiving unexpected calls, especially those requesting personal information or financial assistance. Be cautious about sharing sensitive details over the phone.
- Verify caller identity: If someone claims to be a law enforcement officer or a representative from a legitimate organization, request their full name, badge number, and contact information. Take the time to independently verify their identity by contacting the organization directly using official phone numbers or websites.
- Beware of urgent requests for money: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into making hasty decisions. Take a step back and assess the situation critically. Verify the information independently before taking any action, especially if it involves sending money.
- Guard personal information: Avoid sharing personal or financial details, such as social security numbers, bank account information, or passwords, with unknown callers or through unsecured channels. Legitimate organizations typically do not request such information over the phone.
- Educate yourself: Stay informed about the latest scams and techniques used by fraudsters. Regularly check reputable sources, such as government websites, law enforcement agencies, and consumer protection organizations, for updates on common scams and how to protect yourself.
- Install security software: Utilize reliable antivirus and anti-malware software on your devices to detect and block suspicious activities. Keep your software up to date to ensure maximum protection against emerging threats.
- Secure your online presence: Be mindful of the information you share on social media platforms. Scammers can gather personal details from public profiles, which they may use to tailor their approach and make their impersonation more convincing.
- Report suspicious calls: If you receive a suspicious call, report it to the appropriate authorities, such as your local law enforcement agency, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Providing information about the incident can help authorities track down and prevent future scams.
Remember, vigilance is key when dealing with unknown callers or requests for personal information or money. By staying informed, questioning suspicious calls, and taking necessary precautions, individuals can reduce their risk of falling victim to AI-generated scams.
