You’re probably familiar with how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to generate text. But did you know that AI can also generate speech?
Organizations such as the BBB and the Federal Trade Commission are warning consumers about a new type of fraud: AI-generated fake calls, voicemails and voice messages.
McAfee researchers recently found that it only takes three seconds of recorded audio for a fraudster to replicate a person’s voice using AI. AI-generated calls, voicemails, and voice messages can then be sent to people, usually for the purpose of making money.
A high-tech version of the “emergency scam” or “grandparent scam,” the fake message usually pretends to be a friend or family member and tells them that they are in trouble and need money now. A familiar voice lends credence to these scams.
The rise of AI is rapid and data on fake voice messages is still emerging, but of 7,000 people surveyed by McAfee, a quarter said they had experienced or had experienced AI voice message fraud. It turns out that I know
Scammers’ tactics evolve with technology. In the future, AI may make it even harder to tell if a message is fake, but it’s possible.
BBB tips for spotting and stopping AI voice messages:
Double check your source. If you receive an unusual, urgent, or emotional voice message, call the person you believe it to be (or have someone else call you) to verify that it is you. Please double check. Check your voicemail caller ID. But be aware that the caller ID can be spoofed.
Stop and think before reacting. Being scared or careless can make it difficult to notice the details of a scam call. Pause for a moment and try to keep your cool. Does the message really sound like who you think it is?
Have a “safe word” on the phone. Choose a unique word that you and your family can use on the phone when you’re in trouble. Please keep this word confidential. If you have an urgent call that seems to be from a family member and the language is not used, hang up and call them directly.
Trust your intuition. His 2022 ScamTracker Risk Report for the BBB found that nearly three-quarters of those who avoided fraud losses had a gut feeling that something was wrong. If you receive strange calls or voicemails, ask a friend or loved one for a second opinion, or check BBB.org for information on common scams.
Reduce solicitation. By registering all unsolicited phone numbers in a “Do Not Call” registry, you reduce the chances of scammers calling your number in the first place. If you frequently receive spam calls, we recommend changing your phone number.
Limit where you post your voice online. Note that AI needs very little audio to mimic a human voice. It’s easy for scammers to find audio on the internet. Consider limiting where you share your voice publicly or setting your social media profile to private.
