AI Voice Scams Are on the Rise. Here’s How You Stay Safe.
Jan 14, 2025
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In this episode, Hani Farid, a UC Berkeley professor and digital forensics expert, delves into the alarming rise of AI voice cloning scams. He shares a chilling story of a father who nearly fell victim to a scam impersonating his son. Farid explains the technology behind these deceitful tactics and emphasizes the urgent need for consumer awareness. He offers practical tips for protecting oneself, such as creating family code words and staying skeptical of unexpected calls, highlighting the importance of vigilance in our tech-savvy world.
AI voice cloning technology has advanced significantly, allowing scammers to create convincing replicas and manipulate victims emotionally and urgently.
To protect against such scams, experts recommend using a code word for verification and staying informed about evolving voice cloning tactics.
Deep dives
The Voice Cloning Scam Experience
Gary Schulthorn experienced a harrowing voice cloning scam when he received a call that appeared to be from his son, claiming he had been in an accident and needed urgent help. The scammer's mimicry of his son's voice was so convincing that Gary didn't hesitate to take immediate action, leading him to withdraw $9,000 to post bail. The emotional manipulation during the call included a sense of urgency and pressure to act quickly, which are common tactics in such scams. Ultimately, it was revealed that the call was a fraud, and Gary was overwhelmed by a mix of emotions, including relief and anger at being deceived.
The Rise of AI Voice Cloning Technology
Voice cloning technology has advanced significantly, enabling scammers to create highly convincing replicas of people's voices using only a short sample of audio. Innovations from companies like Eleven Labs have made this technology accessible, allowing anyone with a few minutes of audio to easily replicate another person’s voice for malicious purposes. The ease of creating these clones contributes to the alarming rise in imposter scams, with billions of dollars lost each year due to such deceit. The technology is not only misused for personal scams but has also been weaponized by organized crime and state-sponsored actors, making it a widespread threat.
Preventive Measures Against Voice Cloning Scams
To protect against voice cloning scams, experts recommend implementing simple yet effective strategies, such as establishing a code word with family members. This code can serve as a quick verification method during unexpected or urgent calls. Another suggestion is to remain calm and validate emergency claims by hanging up and contacting the person through a different medium. Furthermore, individuals should be educated about the evolving nature of voice cloning technology and remain vigilant, as scammers continuously adapt their tactics, making it crucial to stay informed about potential risks.
Gary Schildhorn sprang into action to help when he got a call in his son’s voice saying he’d landed in jail after getting into a car accident. That is, until he got a FaceTime call from his son, who was not actually in jail. Gary was the target of an AI voice cloning scam, one that nearly cost him $9,000. As AI technology advances, these scams are becoming more common and more effective. Digital forensics expert Hany Farid explains how the technology works and how people can protect themselves.