Illinois Attorney General, Kwame Raoul, is warning the public about phone scams that may utilize artificial intelligence to replicate the voice of a family member.
This new approach to an age-old scam involves fabricating a scenario where a loved one is in distress to extract money and sensitive personal details.
By leveraging AI technology, scammers can now replicate the speech patterns of individuals, creating a false sense of urgency and need for assistance.
These scammers employ voice synthesis techniques that can easily source audio snippets from social media videos, amplifying the deception with the aid of AI.
Raoul emphasized the sophistication of these fraudulent schemes, stating, “These scammers are adept at manipulating emotions, coercing payments, and disappearing without a trace.”
Receiving distressing calls from seemingly familiar voices can be unsettling, especially when the caller’s identity is uncertain. If pressured to disclose information or make payments, Raoul advises individuals to remain calm, verify the caller’s identity, and refrain from acting impulsively.
To confirm the legitimacy of a call from an unknown source, it is recommended to disconnect and dial a verified contact number. Establishing a unique codeword or phrase with family members can serve as an additional layer of identity verification.
Individuals suspecting fraudulent activity are urged to file complaints through the Attorney General’s website or contact the Consumer Fraud Hotlines at the following numbers: 1-800-386-5438 (Chicago), 1-800-243-0618 (Springfield), 1-800-243-0607 (Carbondale), or 1-866-310-8398 (Spanish-language hotline).
