Ohio Bankers League

05/03/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/03/2023 11:01

Protecting Your Voiceprint: How to Avoid Falling Victim to AI-Generated Voice Scams

05/03/23

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has revolutionized many aspects of our lives, but unfortunately, it has also given rise to new opportunities for fraud and deception. One area where this is particularly true is in the world of voice cloning, where scammers use AI to mimic the voice of someone else to trick bank customers into giving away sensitive information.

Voice cloning is a technique where AI algorithms are used to analyze and replicate the unique features of a person's voice. With enough audio data, an AI system can create a synthetic voice that sounds just like the original speaker. While this technology has many positive applications, it also creates new opportunities for fraudsters to impersonate someone else.

Scammers can use voice cloning to impersonate bank employees, government officials, or even family members to trick people into giving away sensitive information. For example, a scammer might call a bank customer, posing as an employee, and ask for their account information. They might claim that there has been suspicious activity on their account and that they need to confirm their details to prevent fraud.

To make matters worse, these voice cloning scams can be incredibly convincing. The AI-generated voices can sound almost identical to the real thing, and scammers can use social engineering tactics to create a sense of urgency or fear in their targets.

So, how can you protect yourself from voice cloning scams? Here are some tips:

1. Verify the identity of the caller

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from your bank, government agency, or any other organization that requires your personal information, ask for their name, job title, and contact information. Then, independently verify their identity by calling the organization's official phone number or checking their website. Don't use the phone number given by the caller, as this could be a fake number set up by the scammer.

2. Don't give away sensitive information

Never give away your personal information, such as your social security number, bank account details, or passwords, over the phone, especially if you are not sure of the identity of the caller. Legitimate organizations will never ask you for this information over the phone.

3. Be wary of urgent requests

Scammers often create a sense of urgency to trick their targets into giving away sensitive information. If a caller is pressuring you to provide information or take action quickly, be cautious. Take your time to verify their identity and the legitimacy of the request before taking any action.

4. Trust your instincts

If a call seems suspicious or too good to be true, trust your instincts and end the call. It's better to be safe than sorry.

5. Consider using two-factor authentication

Many banks and other organizations now offer two-factor authentication, which provides an extra layer of security when logging into your account or making transactions. This could include a code sent to your phone or a biometric check, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition.

6. Keep your software up-to-date

AI-based scams, like any other type of cybercrime, often rely on exploiting vulnerabilities in software and systems. By keeping your devices and software up-to-date, you can ensure that you have the latest security patches and protections.

In summary, voice cloning is a concerning development in the world of cybersecurity. Scammers can use this technology to impersonate someone else and trick bank customers into giving away sensitive information. However, by following these tips, you can protect yourself from these scams and stay safe online. Remember to verify the identity of the caller, be cautious with your personal information, and trust your instincts.