Beware of AI-Enhanced Family Emergency Scams

With the rapid advancements in technology, scammers have found new ways to deceive unsuspecting victims. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recently issued a consumer alert about scammers using AI to enhance their family emergency schemes, making it even harder to discern genuine calls from scams. Here's what you need to know to stay safe.

The New Scam:

Imagine receiving a call from a panicked family member saying they're in trouble and urgently need financial help. It sounds precisely like your loved one, but it could be a scam. Scammers are now using voice cloning technology to mimic the voices of your family members, making their fraudulent schemes more believable than ever.

High-Risk Profile:

If your voice is easily accessible online through podcasts, videos, or other digital media, you could be at higher risk for this type of scam. Scammers can use this readily available information to create a voice clone and target your family members.

How to Protect Your Family:

1. Communication: Talk to your family members about this new scam, so they're aware and vigilant.
2. Establish a code word: Agree on a code word or phrase that your family can use to confirm the caller's identity in case of emergencies.
3. Be cautious with online content: Limit the amount of personal information and voice recordings available online.

Threat Vector:

Scammers can access your voice through various sources, such as presentations, YouTube videos, and podcasts. Be cautious about what you share online, and consider using privacy settings to limit access to your content.

What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Call:

1. Don't trust the voice alone: Even if it sounds like your loved one, stay cautious and verify their identity.
2. Contact the person directly: Call them back on a known number or reach out to other family members to confirm the situation.
3. Report the scam: If you believe it's a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Conclusion:

As technology evolves, scammers will continue to find new ways to target potential victims. Staying informed about the latest scams and taking precautions to protect yourself and your family is essential. Share this information with your loved ones, and together, we can combat these AI-enhanced family emergency schemes.

https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/03/scammers-use-ai-enhance-their-family-emergency-schemes