Scammers are increasingly adopting new methods to deceive unsuspecting victims, especially older adults. One of the latest threats is AI-generated voice fraud, also known as vishing (voice phishing). These scams use sophisticated AI technology to create highly realistic voices that mimic trusted individuals or organizations.
Let’s talk about what you should do if you receive such a call and how to protect your sensitive information.
Understanding AI-Generated Voice Fraud
As mentioned, scammers perform AI-generated voice fraud using synthetic voices that sound convincingly like a family member, friend, or legitimate entity such as a bank or government agency. These calls can be exceptionally persuasive and dangerous since the synthetic voices replicate the speech patterns and tone of the impersonated individuals. Additionally, fraudsters can manipulate caller ID to make it look like the call is coming from a trusted source when it is not.
Common Tactics Used in AI-Generated Fraud Calls
Be on alert for the following AI-generated fraud calls:
- Impersonation of Family Members: Scammers may claim to be a relative in urgent need of money due to an emergency. The voice will sound distressingly familiar, making it easy to fall for the ploy.
- Bank Representative Scams: Fraudsters impersonate bank representatives, asking for account details or prompting money transfers to “secure” accounts.
- Tech Support Scams: Callers pose as tech support from reputable companies, convincing victims to grant remote access to their computers or pay for unnecessary services.
- Government Agency Impersonation: They may mimic officials from agencies like the IRS or Social Security Administration, threatening legal action or demanding immediate payment of fines or taxes.
- Utility and Phone Company Scams: Fraudsters imitate representatives from utilities or phone companies, claiming issues with the account and requesting payment or personal details to resolve them.
Steps to Take If You Receive a Suspicious Call
So what should you do if you receive such calls that are highly convincing? Here are some essential steps to take:
- Stay Calm and Don’t Panic: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making quick decisions.
- Verify the Caller’s Identity: If the caller claims to be a family member, ask specific questions only that person would know. If the caller claims to be from a legitimate organization, hang up and call the organization’s official number to verify.
- Never Share Personal Information: Legitimate entities like the bank or the government will never ask for sensitive information over the phone. Do not provide personal, financial, or account details to the caller.
- Report the Call: Report the incident to your bank, local authorities, or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This helps to alert others and potentially track down the scammers.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the latest scam tactics and share this information with friends and family. Awareness is a key defense against fraud.
If you need assistance or have concerns about potential scams, don’t hesitate to seek help. At The Oberon House in Arvada, CO, we prioritize the safety and security of our residents. Contact us today to ensure your loved ones are in a safe space!