The FBI has issued a new warning about the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in online fraud schemes, which are becoming more advanced and difficult to detect. “The FBI is warning the public that criminals exploit generative artificial intelligence (AI) to commit fraud on a larger scale which increases the believability of their schemes,” reads the statement released by FBI.
Criminals are leveraging generative AI tools to create highly convincing social media profiles, fraudulent websites, and even audio and video content to deceive victims on a larger scale. These AI technologies make scams more believable and harder to identify, heightening the risks for individuals and businesses alike.
Generative AI refers to tools that can create new content—such as text, images, audio, and videos—based on examples input by users. While the creation of synthetic content itself is not illegal, it can be exploited to facilitate crimes like fraud, extortion, and identity theft. Since generative AI can produce highly realistic content that may seem genuine at first glance, recognizing when a piece of content is AI-generated can be challenging.
How Scammers Use Generated AI in Fraud Schemes
AI-generated text, images, audio, and videos are being used by criminals to manipulate their victims in various ways. Here’s how these technologies are making scams more effective:
- AI-Generated Text: Criminals are using AI to create convincing written content that seems legitimate, such as emails, text messages, and social media posts. This helps them reach a larger audience more efficiently while overcoming typical signs of fraud.
- For example, AI can generate fake social media profiles to engage victims in romance scams, investment fraud, or job hiring schemes.
- AI-powered tools can also help translate messages into different languages, ensuring that international fraudsters can target victims without grammatical errors that would usually raise suspicion.
- Scammers are also using generative AI to craft fraudulent investment websites, often for schemes involving cryptocurrency, or to embed chatbots that trick users into clicking malicious links.
- AI-Generated Images: Criminals are using AI to create realistic images that support their fraudulent activities. These images can be used for fake social media profiles or to create phony identification documents.
- AI tools allow fraudsters to generate photos that appear to be of real people, which they then use to support romance scams, confidence fraud, or fake investment schemes.
- Some scammers have used AI to produce images of celebrities or social media influencers promoting counterfeit products or fake fundraising campaigns.
- AI-generated images are also used in extortion schemes, such as creating fake pornographic photos of a victim to blackmail them into paying money.
- AI-Generated Audio (Vocal Cloning): Another alarming trend is the use of AI to clone voices, which allows scammers to impersonate well-known figures or even close family members. By mimicking someone’s voice, criminals can trick victims into transferring money or sharing sensitive information.
- Scammers may create short audio clips of a loved one’s voice to make it seem as though the victim is being contacted in a crisis, prompting immediate financial assistance or a ransom demand.
- AI-generated audio can also be used to impersonate bank officials or other trusted sources in order to gain access to sensitive accounts or convince victims to provide personal information.
- AI-Generated Videos: Criminals are also using AI to create fake videos that enhance the believability of their scams. These videos might feature public figures or fictitious personas to make the fraud seem more credible.
- Fraudsters have used AI to create videos that appear to be from company executives, law enforcement officials, or other authority figures. These videos are often used in schemes involving fake job offers or investment fraud.
- Private communications may include AI-generated videos of someone the victim believes to be real, further bolstering the illusion that they are communicating with a legitimate person.
Tips to Protect Yourself from AI-Driven Scams
As AI-generated content becomes more advanced, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and aware of the warning signs. The FBI offers several tips to help people protect themselves from falling victim to AI-driven fraud:
- Create a Secret Word or Phrase: Establish a secret code with family members to verify identities in case of a crisis. This simple step can help prevent scams that involve impersonating loved ones.
- Look for Imperfections: AI-generated images and videos, although realistic, often contain subtle flaws. Watch for distorted faces, unrealistic eyes or teeth, strange hand or foot shapes, and irregular shadows. Similarly, listen for any odd pauses or mismatched tones in audio clips.
- Limit Your Online Presence: Consider minimizing the amount of personal content you post online. Make your social media accounts private and only accept friend requests from people you know. Limiting access to your images and voice can make it harder for criminals to use AI tools to create fraudulent identities.
- Verify Unsolicited Calls or Messages: If you receive a call or message asking for money or personal information, do not engage immediately. Instead, hang up and research the contact through official channels. Always call back using a trusted phone number from a website or official documentation.
- Don’t Share Sensitive Information: Never share sensitive information with people you have only met online or over the phone. This includes personal details, passwords, or financial information.
- Never Send Money to Strangers: Be cautious when asked to send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to people you don’t know, especially if you’ve only met them online or over the phone.
What to Do if You Fall Victim to a Fraud Scheme
If you suspect that you have been scammed, it’s important to act quickly. The FBI advises victims to file a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov. When submitting a report, include as much information as possible, such as:
- Identifying details about the scammer, such as name, phone number, email, and physical address.
- Financial transaction information, including dates, payment methods, amounts, and account numbers.
- A description of your interaction with the scammer, including how contact was made, the type of request, and any other relevant details.
By staying informed and cautious, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to these increasingly advanced AI-powered fraud schemes.
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