Modern technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), not only improve our lives, but also open up new opportunities for malefactors. Ukrainians are increasingly victims of fraudulent schemes that use artificial intelligence. One of these schemes is to send voice messages for help on behalf of loved ones.
Scams use artificial intelligence algorithms that can imitate the voice of a real person. The victim shall send messages on behalf of acquaintances or relatives asking to borrow money for urgent needs. For example, Anna Sinichenko was a victim of fraudsters, transferring 6 thousand hryvnias to a allegedly familiar serviceman. And later the same scheme was used against her sister, having cheating on their joint friends.
"I decided to help without thought. The voice in the message was identical to my friend's voice. I did not even doubt and immediately asked the card number," Anna says. Only later did she find out that the message was recorded by fraudsters who broke the page on Telegram.
A similar situation happened to Alina Kolomiets. She received a voice message on behalf of the sister asking him to transfer 4 thousand hryvnias. A video was even added to the text message. However, the woman suspected the deception because of the card number that was unfamiliar.
"If not a card, I would probably transfer money, because the voice sounded natural," - says Alina.
Cybersecurity experts warn that AI technologies significantly complicate the detection of deception. Algorithms are capable of creating voice messages that are virtually impossible to distinguish from real ones.
"Artificial intelligence allows fraudsters to imitate the voice and style of conversation of a person who misleaders. However, there are some nuances that are worth paying attention to," - explains cybersecurity expert Konstantin Korsun.
Here are some tips on how to avoid fraud:
- Critical thinking. Always analyze the situation. If the request seems suspicious, even from loved ones, ask some clarifying questions.
- Check the information. Call the person directly on whose behalf the message has been made to see his truth.
- Pay attention to the details. For example, an unknown bank card number or a strange conversation manner may be fraud signals.
- Keep calm. Do not make decisions under the influence of emotions, especially if you are forced to act quickly.
The fraudsters are constantly improving their methods, so it is important to remain vigilant and share information about new threats with loved ones.
