You've heard the stories… A CEO was scammed out of $233,000 because someone copied the voice of his boss at the parent company. A 75-year-old woman nearly lost $27,500 because she thought her grandson was in trouble.
For just $4, anyone can copy their voice using super cheap and super powerful artificial intelligence software. To help you avoid being scammed, we've got the inside scoop on the tricks scammers use.
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Top 10 Tactics
In an age where we broadcast our lives (and voices) to the world through TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn, YouTube, and more, scammers are running wild.
They are extracting voice samples and feeding them into AI machines to create chillingly accurate voice clones, setting the stage for a scam that is as emotionally cruel as it is sophisticated.
Pro Tip: Unless you’re trying to make it as an influencer or are a public figure in some way, set your social media profiles to private – public accounts give away too much information.
Below we have compiled 10 common scams to help you spot them before they take you in.
Children's summer camp upset: There is a gas leak and we need to evacuate immediately. The camp counselors want you to cover your child's hotel and bus costs.
Charity Request: A voice you've heard on TV youWe are looking for cash to help victims. What is your credit card number?
Neighbor needs help: She's crying that your dog got hit by a car and she had to take him to the vet, and now you're going to pay the bill, right?
Auto Parts Emergencies: Your trusted mechanic gives you bad news: don't drive your car because there's been a major recall and you need to buy parts. now!
Urgent Expenses: My boss called me from an unknown number. He is in a business meeting and needs me to send him some money urgently to cover some unexpected expenses. Can you help me right away?
Medical EmergenciesA relative's voice desperately tells you that they've been in a serious accident and need money immediately to pay hospital bills before they can receive treatment.
Trapped in prison: Your child has been arrested and needs bail immediately, and you've been instructed to wire money to a specific account before things get any worse.
Utility shutoffThe power company representative, speaking in exactly the same tone as the person you spoke to before, says they will cut off your power unless you make a request. immediately payment.
School fundraiser: Your child's school principal called you and is asking you to make a donation to support their new project. All we need to process your donation is your credit card information.
Travel Trouble: A close friend called me from vacation saying she lost her wallet and was in trouble. Could you send me some money to cover the cost of a hotel and a flight home?
These are just a few examples. Thousands More details on where these came from.
Your Action Plan
Before you consider selling your family silverware or emptying your savings account, let's talk strategy. You need to know about this now so you can be prepared. in front Something scary is going to happen.
◾ Check your caller ID: If you get a call from a number you don't recognize, or even worse, a blocked or withheld number, that's a big red flag. Even if the person on the other end sounds like your child or your mother, hang up and dial their cell phone.
◾ Check out the video: In high-profile scams involving businesses, fraudsters are also using AI video, but most low-budget scams don't go that far.
◾ Buying time: If the caller says they've been in an accident, are held captive, or are in distress, tell them you'll help but would like to see them first. Immediately contact them by other means or anyone who may know their location.
◾ Money talks: If someone asks you to pay by wire transfer or Bitcoin, your scam alarm should go off. Real emergencies don't involve specific, suspicious requests for payment.
Every day, people fall prey to these scams. Share this story to show your support for those around you. You could save someone's financial future.
Learn about the latest in technology with The Kim Komando Show, the country's biggest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and offers advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. Visit her website for daily tips, a free newsletter and more.
