The I-Team is available to assist you in safeguarding your finances and personal information during National Consumer Protection Week in PORTLAND (WGME).
The landscape has evolved with the introduction of artificial intelligence, posing new challenges in combating fraud.
During a call preceding the New Hampshire primary, a voice resembling President Joe Biden discouraged voting on Tuesday, falsely claiming it would benefit the Republicans and lead to the reappointment of Donald Trump.
However, the voice was not authentic; it was a deepfake prompting federal legislation to prohibit the use of synthetic voices in robocalls.
“Technology is a double-edged sword, isn’t it?” remarked the United States Attorney General, Aaron Frey.
Instances of AI-facilitated voice duplication prompted numerous complaints nationwide last year.
Frey expressed, “This sophisticated impersonation is highly deceptive.”
He further emphasized how artificial intelligence complicates the distinction between legitimate and illicit entities for consumers.
Fraudsters exploit this technology by mimicking the voices of loved ones to solicit money under false pretenses of accidents or thefts.
Alarming statistics from McAfee revealed that 77% of victims of AI voice scams reported financial losses, as detailed in the report “The Artificial Imposter.”
These scams contribute to the escalating fraud losses in the U.S., which surged to $10 billion in 2023.
“Remaining extra vigilant with advancing technologies is imperative,” advised Frey.
Preventive Measures against AI Deception:
- Establish a unique codeword for close contacts and develop a protocol for verification.
- Always verify the caller’s identity before divulging information.
- Refrain from answering calls from unfamiliar numbers.
Experts caution that AI primarily targets personal identities online, extending beyond deceptive phone calls.
Frey highlighted the vulnerability of personal information such as pet names, birthdates, current locations, and childhood streets to AI exploitation.
He warned of cybercriminals attempting to pilfer voices for social media breaches.
“The more you disclose, the less control you retain,” emphasized Frey.
While not everyone holds the presidential stature of the U.S., recent studies indicate that AI can replicate a voice in merely three hours.
Exercise prudence in your conversations and interactions to mitigate risks.
The I-Team plans to delve deeper into the deceptive practices observed during Consumer Protection Week to ensure your readiness and awareness.
