Imagine this: you’re stuck in traffic during the 7:30 AM school run, and your phone rings. It’s your husband (let’s call him John). Reluctantly, you pause your Spotify playlist and answer the call. He sounds frantic, saying he’s been in an accident—he’s injured but alive, and the ambulance is on the way. However, for some reason, they need a payment upfront to transport him. It’s strange, but he’s talking fast, and you’re stressed, so it almost seems reasonable. You ignore the nagging thoughts like, “Where’s his wallet?” and “Why doesn’t he use his medical aid card?”
He insists you make an instant transfer to an account. “No problem,” you say, before hanging up, only to glance at your husband sitting right beside you, staring at his phone. Welcome to the world of AI-driven scams.
Unlike old-school scams—remember those fake inheritance emails or cloned credit cards?—AI scams are much harder to spot. AI is a brilliant tool when used properly. In our own work, we rely on AI for everything from reading number plates to recognizing suspicious faces, even creating virtual boundaries for safety. However, AI can also be exploited by scammers. While this may seem like a “rise of the machines” moment, don’t panic yet.
The Dark Side of AI: How to Protect Yourself from Scams
AI scammers have become highly sophisticated, and the technology is constantly improving. It’s not just about your grandmother anymore. Even the most tech-savvy people are vulnerable. The scammers use AI to create near-perfect replicas of familiar voices—your loved ones, for instance. All it takes is a few seconds of recorded conversation, and they can manipulate these clips to trick you into sending money or sharing sensitive details.
A few months ago, AI-generated voices might have sounded unnatural, but now they’re almost indistinguishable from real voices. Phones can be cloned, and the scammer’s call may look like it’s coming from a known number or business. Always be cautious.
Here are some simple steps to avoid falling for an AI phone scam:
- Create a Safe Word: Set up a phrase or word with your family to verify you’re speaking with the right person, especially if something feels “off” during the call.
- Hang Up and Call Back: If the call feels urgent or involves money or personal details, hang up immediately. Then, call the person back using their contact details from your phonebook, not the redial button. If it was from a bank, find their number online and call them directly. More often than not, they’ll be clueless about the supposed emergency.
- Ask Specific Questions: Test the caller with a question they can’t easily answer—like, “What did I have for breakfast this morning?” or “What’s your favorite episode of that show we watched last week?” If they don’t know the answer, it’s a red flag.
- Watch for Inconsistencies: If the caller seems out of character, that’s a warning sign. Stay alert and trust your instincts.
- Don’t Fall for Emotional Appeals: Scammers are experts at building trust through emotional manipulation. Whether it’s a supposed family emergency or a heartbreaking story, resist the urge to act impulsively. Instead, calmly hang up and contact us at Security-Com for further assistance.
A Reminder from the Bank
As the festive season approaches, scams tend to spike. Be extra cautious of unsolicited calls from “bank representatives” asking for your personal information or requesting actions on your account.
Stay Aware and Informed
AI scams are evolving, and while it may seem overwhelming, staying educated is your best defense. Even if you’re not a fan of AI, understanding how it works and how it can be used against you will help protect you from these scams. Knowledge is power, and Security-Com is here to help. Always reach out to us if something feels suspicious. In case of anything, we’ve got you covered!
