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AI Voice Scams Are on the Rise. Here’s How You Stay Safe.
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.
26:42
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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