Imagine the scene: you are at home, peacefully settled, when a call comes in during the night. You look at your phone screen and see that it is a number from one of your loved ones. The voice on the other end seems panicked, repeating distressing phrases. You are about to give in to fear, but remain vigilant. You have just escaped a terrifying AI scam.
This story, told by the New Yorker, highlights the rise of these increasingly numerous scams. With recent technological advancements, scammers can now almost perfectly replicate a person’s voice from a short recording. By combining this voice with a generative AI, they create a convincing virtual clone.
Tips to Avoid the Worst
In the face of this growing danger, it is important to take certain precautions to protect yourself:
- Don’t give in to panic: even if the loved one in question seems distressed, hang up and find other ways to contact them, such as calling them back on the same number, sending them a message, or starting a video chat.
- Request a callback: if someone asks you for money or personal information, always ask for a callback. This allows you to verify the authenticity of the request.
- Establish a shared secret password: create a secret code known only to you and your loved ones, so that you can quickly detect potential scams.
- Ask specific questions: if you have doubts about your interlocutor’s identity, ask them specific questions that will allow you to confirm that they are indeed the person in question. This could include shared memories or inside jokes between you.
It is important to be aware that this type of scam does not only affect others. With the rise of AI, these scams are set to grow in the months and years to come. It is therefore essential to remain vigilant and implement appropriate protective strategies.
In conclusion, do not fall into the trap of this terrifying AI scam. With a few simple tips, you can protect yourself from these scams and safeguard your loved ones. Be proactive and don’t give in to fear: your vigilance will make a difference.
