Technology experts are calling this coming year, 2024, “The Year of Artificial Intelligence”.
AI will become more popular, more common in our everyday lives. The problem with any growing technology is that scammers use it to try and take advantage of people who haven’t had the chance to experience or understand AI.
So tonight — let’s talk about AI scams — because there are some crazy examples to be on the lookout for.
Right now, there are three main AI generated scams that can easily rob you of your money and personal information.
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VOICE CLONING: AI scammers can take the voice of family members and have the program tell you to give them your social security number or wire you money. – And it will sound exactly like your family member or friend.
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“DEEPFAKE” PHOTOS OR VIDEOS: When AI is used to generate images or video of celebrities to sell you fake or faulty products.
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FAKE GENERATED MESSAGES: scammers will use AI programs to create real looking emails or text messages that will fool you into thinking the products or people are legitimate.
So with this new technology – how do you protect yourself from getting scammed?
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ALWAYS FACT CHECK AND VERIFY: If something seems off or doesn’t seem right – something is probably up.
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DEVELOP A FAMILY PASSWORD OR QUESTION: Something that only you and your family members would know, so that you can verify the person you are talking to is actually your mother or your son.
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JUST END THE CALL: If you think you’re talking to an AI generated program on the other line — even you just staying on the line and talking gives scammers the ability to record your voice for future scams.
Our last tip for you tonight: as this technology is rapidly evolving and changing, learn more about it by doing your own research and understanding how these types of scams work.
That 30 minutes of homework you do to learn about artificial intelligence could be the difference between your bank account and personal information being protected – or being corrupted.