How to Spot Artificial Intelligence Voice Scams

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has surged in popularity and usage among businesses and individuals. Many users have found ways to streamline commercial operations and personal hobbies using these programs; however, criminals have also developed means of weaponizing this technology, including by impersonating voices.

What Are AI Voice Scams?

Typically, AI voice scams are centered around a perpetrator using software programs to impersonate someone’s voice, often intending to steal money or personal information. Criminals develop this impression by acquiring a sample of someone’s voice, such as from videos available on social media or other websites, and uploading it into an AI program. This can allow the AI to “clone” the person’s voice, which may allow a scammer to create fake recordings.

Once scammers have created fake audio of someone’s voice, perpetrators may attempt to contact the victim’s family members or other parties that value the recorded person’s well-being. The criminals may use the recordings to trick targets into thinking that someone they care about is in an urgent or dangerous situation and needs money fast. Alternatively, scammers may attempt to contact someone while pretending to be a person who can be trusted with sensitive information, such as a banking representative.

How to Avoid AI Scams

The following steps may help you detect and prevent AI voice scams:

• Use identity monitoring services to determine if your personal information was previously exposed in a data breach.
• Limit access to recordings of your voice on social media.
• Establish a code word to be used by family members, friends, and business associates if they legitimately need assistance.
• Ask the caller questions that only the person they may be impersonating would know the answer to.
• Hang up if a call is suspicious and then call the alleged party back using their regular number.

Being in the know is the first step to protecting yourself and your business from cyber fraud. Choice Bank is committed to providing you with up-to-date resources and tips to help you stay informed. Learn more at bankwithchoice.com/cybersecurity.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. © 2023 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.