Bad news for robocallers! The FCC just banned AI-generated voices, letting you sue for up to $1,500 per illegal call. This comes after incidents like fake “Tom Hanks” ads and AI-cloned “Joe Biden” calls aimed at suppressing voters. Scammers using AI to impersonate family members are also on the radar, highlighting the dangers of this technology. Meanwhile, the FTC is targeting impersonator scams that cost consumers a whopping $2.7 billion in 2023. So, beware of suspicious calls, and know you now have more power to fight back!

How To Protect Yourself Against AI and Imposter Scams

The digital landscape is evolving rapidly, and with it, so are the tactics of scammers. Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used to create sophisticated scams, making them harder to detect and more convincing than ever before. But fear not, vigilant individuals can still protect themselves. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to stay safe from AI and imposter scams:

Understanding the Threats

AI-Powered Robocalls: Scammers use AI to mimic human voices, including celebrities and even family members, to create a sense of urgency or familiarity. These calls often pressure you into sharing personal information or sending money.
Deepfakes: These AI-generated videos or images realistically depict someone saying or doing something they never did. They can be used to damage reputations, spread misinformation, or even facilitate financial fraud.
Impersonator Scams: Scammers pose as legitimate entities like government agencies, businesses, or even loved ones to trick you into revealing sensitive information or sending money.

Building Your Defences

Be Wary of Unsolicited Communication: Never trust unsolicited calls, emails, texts, or social media messages, even if they appear to come from a familiar source.
Verify Everything: Don’t click on links or open attachments in suspicious messages. Instead, contact the sender directly through trusted channels to confirm their legitimacy.
Strengthen Your Online Presence: Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
Be Skeptical of Emotional Appeals: Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency or fear. Take a deep breath and don’t make any rushed decisions.
Beware of “Too Good to Be True” Offers: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Do your research before investing money or sharing personal information.
Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the latest scam tactics by following reputable sources and sharing information with family and friends.

Taking Action if Scammed

Report the Scam: If you suspect you’ve been scammed, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other relevant authorities. This helps track scammers and potentially recover lost funds.
Freeze Your Accounts: If you suspect your financial accounts have been compromised, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to freeze them and prevent further damage.
Change Your Passwords: Update your passwords on all affected accounts and create strong, unique passwords for future use.
Seek Support: If you’ve been emotionally affected by a scam, consider seeking support from a trusted friend, family member, or professional.

By being vigilant, informed, and proactive, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to AI and imposter scams. Don’t hesitate to question, verify, and report suspicious activity. Together, we can create a safer online environment for everyone.