AI scams are on the rise, and several factors contribute to this trend, according to Aaron Engle, the chief information officer for ExpressVPN.
“As technology advances, scammers are becoming more sophisticated and are leveraging AI to create highly convincing scams,” he said. “AI-powered tools, like voice cloning and deepfakes, enable fraudsters to produce realistic audio and video content, making their scams more believable and harder to detect.”
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Engle said that AI-powered voice cloning can mimic the voices of loved ones or authoritative figures with startling accuracy, which makes it easier for scammers to deceive their targets. And he explained that deepfake technology can generate highly realistic videos that are difficult to distinguish from genuine footage.
Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself — and your money — from AI scams.
Regulations and Protections Are Lagging
Engle explained that as AI technology becomes more and more accessible, it will allow more individuals to deploy these advanced techniques.
“Moreover, the growing digitalization of services, especially in government and financial sectors, provides more opportunities for AI-enhanced scams,” he said. “Regulatory bodies and consumer protection agencies are constantly playing catch-up with the fast-paced advancements in AI technology.
“The lag in implementing effective regulations and protections against AI-driven fraud means that scammers often operate with little fear of immediate repercussions. This regulatory gap further emboldens cybercriminals to innovate and expand their fraudulent activities.”
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AI Scams To Be Aware Of
According to Engle, these are some of the AI scams to watch out for and what they entail.
Voice Cloning Scams
“These scams use AI to clone the voice of someone you know, such as a family member or colleague,” he said. “The cloned voice can then be used to make phone calls or leave messages that sound convincingly like the person you know, asking for money or sensitive information.”
Deepfake Scams
Engle explained that deepfakes involve AI-generated images or videos that appear real.
“Scammers might create a video of a CEO or government official asking employees or citizens to transfer money or provide confidential information,” he said.
Easy Online Job Scams
Unfortunately, if you’re looking for a job, you’ll need to be on the lookout for fake employment opportunities powered by AI.
“These scams exploit job seekers by offering fake employment opportunities,” said Engle. “Scammers use AI to create realistic job postings and conduct fake interviews, eventually requesting personal information or upfront payments for job-related expenses.”
Government Account Takeover Scams
According to Engle, this type of scam utilizes AI to create phishing emails or fake government websites that look legitimate.
“[Scammers] lure victims into providing login credentials or personal information, which are then used to take over government accounts,” he explained.
P2P Payment Scams
According to Engle, P2P payment scams use AI to create fake profiles and solicit money through peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo or Zelle.
“Scammers pose as friends, family or legitimate sellers to trick users into sending money,” he said.
How To Protect Yourself From AI Scams
Here are Engle’s tips for protecting yourself from artificial intelligence scams.
Stay Informed
“Education and awareness are [necessary] to protect yourself,” Engle said. “AI is here to stay, and sharing that with your loved ones will give them a head start into practicing strong security practices. Staying informed about the latest scam tactics and participating in cybersecurity training are critical first steps. Recognizing how these scams operate can help people identify and avoid potential threats.”
Protect Your Accounts
“Using strong, unique passwords for each account and enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides a robust defense against unauthorized access,” said Engle.
He also said that being skeptical of unsolicited communications is crucial.
Always Verify Identities
“Always verify the identity of senders independently before clicking on links or sharing personal information,” Engle recommended.
If you aren’t completely sure that the person asking for your information is who they claim they are, don’t tell them anything and don’t click on any links they send you.
Protect Your Devices and Data
To protect against vulnerabilities and malware, Engle suggested regularly updating your devices and using reputable antivirus software.
“Using a VPN for encrypted internet connections, especially on public Wi-Fi, helps prevent data interception by cybercriminals,” he added.
Limit Who You Share Information With Online
“Limiting the sharing of personal information online and adjusting privacy settings on social media further enhances security,” Engle said.
Monitor Accounts and Credit Reports
“Lastly, monitoring accounts for suspicious activity and checking credit reports periodically can detect and prevent fraud early,” said Engle. “If suspicious activity is detected, it’s essential to report it immediately to the relevant authorities and consumer protection agencies.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Will You Be Able To Protect Yourself From AI Scams? 6 Tips To Keep Your Info Safe
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