Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a concept of the future, it’s here and scammers are taking advantage of it. The technology has advanced to the point where scammers can clone voices and use them to deceive family and friends, tricking them into sending money. This has raised concerns and prompted action from lawmakers and organizations to protect people from falling victim to AI scams.
One example of this is the use of AI to create deepfake videos, such as a recent incident where a Taylor Swift deepfake was used to promote products to unsuspecting fans. Recognizing the potential harm, a bipartisan group of House lawmakers introduced the No AI Fraud Act to safeguard Americans’ likenesses and voices from being exploited by AI-generated fakes. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched a competition offering a $25,000 award for the best ideas to shield consumers from these scams.
The Senate Special Committee on Aging also held a hearing to address this type of fraud, emphasizing the need to raise awareness and take action to protect individuals from falling prey to these AI scams. To provide further insight into these scams and offer advice on how to safeguard against them, experts shared some valuable tips. For instance, if someone suspects a voice clone scam, they can try to interrupt the caller and ask a question only the real person would know. Establishing a password with family and friends and refraining from sending money through untraceable means like gift cards or cryptocurrency are also recommended as protective measures.
The fight against AI scams is ongoing, and individuals are encouraged to report all instances of fraud to the FTC. The collective efforts of lawmakers, organizations, and individuals are crucial in combating the misuse of AI technology for fraudulent activities.
As the prevalence of AI scams continues to pose a threat, it’s essential for people to stay informed and take proactive steps to protect themselves from falling victim to these deceptive practices.
