AI Scams

Watch For Scams is dedicated to helping you avoid becoming a victim of fraud.

If you like this ezine, do a friend a big favor and forward this to them. If a friend forwarded this to you, and if you like what you read, please subscribe by visiting the link below:

Subscribe Here

AI Scams

Deepfakes are AI-generated videos or images that are very difficult to distinguish from reality. They are made using a type of machine learning designed to simulate the brain's complex decision-making abilities, known as deep learning. This technology analyzes massive amounts of audio or video of a specific person and then uses that information to generate deeply convincing content that can mimic facial expressions, voices and mannerisms.

Deepfake technology can both create content from scratch and manipulate existing content. For instance, it can fabricate a person by stitching together facial features from various sources. More commonly, it can alter existing videos or images to replace someone's face with another or even add facial expressions and movements that weren't originally there.

The major concern is that scammers are using deepfakes to exploit people's trust in familiar faces to spread misinformation, damage people's reputations or even manipulate people's beliefs or actions. Deepfakes give scammers the ability to impersonate virtually anyone, from loved ones to authority figures, celebrities and politicians.

AI-Generated Voice Phishing

Phishing scams are an ongoing threat to online security, and AI has taken them to new heights. A phishing scam is a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, Social Security numbers, credit card information and more by pretending to be a trustworthy organization, business or even a friend or family member. Typically, this scam is done through deceptive emails, messages or websites that trick individuals into providing their personal data.

With deepfake technology, scammers can now use AI to generate realistic human voices for compelling phishing calls and voicemails. This technology convincingly mimics real voices, making it difficult to distinguish between a legitimate call and a scam attempt.

AI-generated voice phishing scams aim to target people with urgent messages, creating a sense of panic. Scammers might urgently demand money, posing as bank representatives, government officials threatening legal action or people you know personally. These scams can be particularly effective for those who rely heavily on phone and email communication for business or personal matters.

AI-Powered Chatbots

Chatbots are computer programs designed to carry lifelike conversations with humans, so users feel like they are talking to a real person. Unlike traditional chatbots that rely on scripted responses, AI-powered chatbots leverage advanced technologies to understand and respond to the nuances of human conversation in a more natural way. While many businesses use AI chatbots to answer customer questions on their website, scammers have found a way to abuse them.

AI chatbots can pose as virtually anyone, engaging in seemingly natural conversations to gather information and learn about their victim's vulnerabilities, adapting their tactics in real time. Not only are chatbots capable of exploiting people's trust to gather sensitive information, but they also can manipulate them into clicking on malicious links or sending money to unverified sources.

AI Robocalls

AI robocalls are automated phone calls that use AI to mimic real human voices, including tone, inflection and even regional accents. This makes the calls sound more legitimate and trustworthy, increasing the chance of potentially bypassing traditional call-blocking methods.

Scammers leverage these AI-powered robocalls to trick people into giving away personal information or money. Scammers can use robocalls for impersonation scams, phishing scams, exploit scare tactics or spread misinformation.

How To Help Prevent AI Scams

2. Fact Check: Healthy skepticism is key. Make sure your information comes from reputable sources, and always double-check through mainstream fact-checking sites

3. Stay Informed And Aware: Staying up to date on current AI scam trends helps you identify a scam

4. Protect Personal Information: Always ensure your personally identifiable information remains private. This includes your Social Security number, date of birth, driver's license number and more. Identity protection services help monitor personal data and provide alerts if there is possible suspicious activity.

Remember - always watch for scams!