What The Tech: Protecting yourself from the worst scams
BY JAMEY TUCKER, Consumer Technology Reporter
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, a time the Department of Homeland Security warns Americans about the most dangerous scams threatening your money, privacy, and peace of mind.
This year, one scam stands out as the most terrifying of them all.
It begins with a phone call in the middle of the night. A loved one is crying for help. But it’s not real, it’s artificial intelligence.
It’s easy to see why so many people are victimized by this scam:
#1: it often comes in the middle of the night.
#2: it sounds just exactly like someone you love, and
#3: in that half-awake panic, it feels absolutely real.
Using AI tools anyone can find online, scammers clone the voices of family members or friend. With just a few seconds of audio, something they pulled from TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook, they can recreate the sound, accent and inflections.
“Hey, I need help”
That’s not my voice. It was generated by one of these tools. Once they have the voice, they can type whatever message they want to send. Even respond to your questions in real time.
I did something bad. Please don’t tell anyone but I need money right now”
They may cry, beg and plead for money through a cash app. You honestly can’t blame someone for falling for it. The call might even look like it’s coming from their numbers.
A McAfee survey found 1 in 4 people have received one of these calls. 77% of them say they sent money. And the FTC says, its last survey showed AI scams cost victims over a billion dollars. And that was from two years ago when AI tools were just getting started.
There are ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Everyone should have “Find My” turned on on an iPhone, or use the app “Life 360” to track your family. Mom and dad, don’t abuse it, or they might turn it off.
And have a family code word. If they can’t say it in the phone call, hang up and call them back on their number, or ask someone else to call them.
While older people with children are most vulnerable, this scam can trick anyone of any age. So it’s important to tell your kids and grandkids about this. And set up that code word.
