

AI Voice Scams Are on the Rise. Here’s How You Stay Safe.
8 snips Jan 14, 2025
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.
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The Gary Schildhorn Incident
- Gary Schildhorn received a call seemingly from his son, claiming involvement in a car accident and needing bail money.
- Schildhorn was about to pay $9,000 when a FaceTime call from his actual son revealed the scam.
Rising AI Scam Threat
- AI voice cloning scams are increasing, with Americans losing billions to imposter scams in 2023.
- Scammers impersonate family, friends, or employers, creating urgent scenarios like accidents or arrests.
Hany Farid's Realization
- Hany Farid initially dismissed deepfake audio as a minor threat.
- However, after witnessing 11 Labs' capabilities and a colleague's experience, he recognized the significant danger.