Fraud Highlight: Voice Impersonation Fraudulent Scams (Vishing)

Voice impersonation scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it crucial for individuals to stay vigilant and aware of the latest tactics used by fraudsters. By adopting a cautious approach, verifying caller identities, and protecting personal information, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these scams.

Given the advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT, the Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange (CCTX) predicts these fraudulent scams will increase in frequency and success to the detriment of small businesses and unsuspecting citizens.

Introduction

Voice impersonation fraudulent scams, also known as vishing or voice phishing, have become increasingly common in recent years. These scams are particularly deceitful, as they leverage the power of human voice to build trust and exploit vulnerabilities.

Voice impersonation scams involve fraudsters mimicking the voice of a trusted individual or organization to deceive their targets. This can be achieved either by using a talented impersonator or through sophisticated voice synthesis technologies. The goal is to manipulate the target into revealing sensitive information or transferring funds to an unauthorized recipient. Consider the following example.

In the News on March 22, 2023

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary says at least eight senior citizens lost a combined $200,000 to similar scams over a three-day period, with one man, 23-year-old Charles Gillen, arrested on the tarmac at St. John's International Airport. Police believe a criminal network is responsible for targeting seniors with deepfake voices, which are easy, cheap, and effective. Gillen is facing 30 charges of fraud, extortion and conspiracy to commit an offence, and police are investigating similar cases across the country. The full story is found on cbc.ca.

Deepfake Technology: A Double-Edged Sword

Deepfake technology, initially developed for entertainment purposes, has found its way into the hands of scammers. It involves using AI and deep learning algorithms to create realistic synthetic voices, making it almost impossible to differentiate between a genuine voice and an artificial one. This has made voice impersonation scams increasingly convincing and challenging to detect. The advancements in AI, such as ChatGPT, make it easier than ever for fraudsters to leverage this technology for ill intent.

Common Voice Impersonation Scenarios

1. Impersonating a bank or financial institution: Scammers may pose as representatives of banks or other financial institutions, claiming to verify account information or report suspicious activity. They attempt to gain the victim's trust, ultimately asking for sensitive information or encouraging the victim to transfer funds to a "safe" account.
2. Posing as a government agency: Fraudsters impersonate officials from government agencies such as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), demanding immediate payment for outstanding taxes or threatening legal action if the victim fails to comply.
3. Tech support scams: Scammers pretend to be tech support agents from well-known companies, claiming that the victim's computer or device has been compromised. They use this as an opportunity to gain access to the victim's device, steal sensitive information, or demand payment for fake services.

Protecting Yourself from Voice Impersonation Scams

1. Be skeptical: Always be cautious when receiving unsolicited phone calls from unknown numbers, especially if they request sensitive information or immediate action.
2. Verify the caller: If you receive a call from a company or agency you would otherwise normally trust, hang up and call back using the official phone number found on their website or official documents.
3. Protect your personal information: Never share sensitive information such as passwords, Social Insurance Numbers, or financial details over the phone without verifying the caller's identity.
4. Educate yourself and others: Be aware of the latest scams and share this information with friends and family to create a more informed community.
5. Report scams: If you suspect a scam, report it to your local authorities, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security.

Stay alert and stay safe!