As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize various industries, it also opens new avenues for cybercriminals. Scammers are now leveraging AI technology to create sophisticated and convincing scams, including AI-generated videos, images, websites, voice cloning, and more. These AI-based scams have become some of the most challenging to spot as technology advances. To shield yourself from these evolving threats, it’s crucial to remain informed and vigilant. Awareness and caution are your best defenses against these sophisticated fraud tactics. In this blog, we’ll explore common AI scams and how you can protect yourself from falling victim.
Common Types of AI Scams:
Voice Cloning Scams
Voice cloning has become more prevalent, with scammers using short audio clips to generate a cloned voice that can be manipulated to say anything. These clips are often taken from social media posts and used to deceive victims into believing they are hearing from someone they know and trust. A common tactic involves scammers pretending to be a distressed relative needing urgent financial help.
AI-Generated Websites
Fake online stores are increasingly appearing, offering highly sought-after items at remarkably low prices. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. These fraudulent websites aim to capture your payment information and other personal details to facilitate unauthorized purchases and money transfers.
AI-Generated Listings
We’re all familiar with platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay, but how can you distinguish a real listing from a fake one? With today’s technology, scammers can create realistic listings using AI-generated images and descriptions. They may list popular items at enticingly low prices to attract buyers and request partial payments to secure the item. In some cases, they might direct you to a third-party website for payment. Always verify the legitimacy of the seller and the listing before making any transactions.
Tips on How to Stay Safe:
Exercise Caution with Purchases and Transfers: Scammers often create a sense of urgency. Avoid making hasty decisions, as some actions can be irreversible and lead to significant hassle, like canceling cards and setting up new accounts.
Use a Secret Question: Establish a “secret question” with family and friends to confirm their identity. For instance, ask, “What did you have for dinner last night?” If the answer isn’t your secret response, it’s likely a scam.
Be Wary of Links and URLs: Avoid clicking on links from unsolicited text messages or social media. Instead, manually type the web address of known sites. Scammers can create fake pages that look legitimate but are designed to steal your information.
At CBIZ CompuData, we understand the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, especially those leveraging advanced AI technology. With our comprehensive IT solutions and a steadfast focus on security, we can help your organization navigate the complexities of AI threats and mitigate risks effectively.
