Introduction to AI Voice Scams

Criminals are using AI to create voice clones of family, friends, and coworkers to scam people out of money. This type of scam has become increasingly common, with a 2023 survey finding that 25% of adults across seven countries have experienced some form of AI voice scam. The survey also found that 77% of victims lost money due to the interaction.

The rise of AI-enabled voice clones has taken identity theft to an entirely new level. Scammers can create a believable voice clone using just a few seconds of audio, making it difficult for victims to distinguish between the real person and the scammer.

How AI Voice Scams Work

The scammer finds an audio clip of the person's voice, often on social media, and uses it to create a voice clone. The clone is then used to call the victim, with the scammer posing as the person whose voice was cloned. The scammer may tell the victim that they need money for a fake emergency or that they need to transfer funds to a different account.

The laws surrounding the use of AI to fake someone's voice are still unclear, but using AI to scam people out of money is generally considered illegal.

Who is at Risk

Anyone can be a target of an AI voice scam, but certain professions and individuals are more at risk. These include grandparents, who may be targeted by scammers posing as their grandchildren, and people who work in finance or real estate, who may be targeted by scammers posing as clients or colleagues.

How to Protect Yourself

To protect yourself from AI voice scams, be cautious of brief, urgent calls and verify the identity of the caller. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a family member or friend, ask them a question that only they would know the answer to. You can also set up a code word with your loved ones to verify their identity.

Additionally, be wary of calls that ask you to transfer money or provide sensitive information. Legitimate organizations will not ask you to do this over the phone, and it's always best to verify the request through a separate channel.

What to Do if You're a Victim

If you're a victim of an AI voice scam, act quickly to minimize your losses. Report the scam to the authorities and contact your bank or financial institution to freeze your accounts. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local consumer protection agency.