What are voice cloning scams?

How does a voice cloning scam work?

When you receive a call from an unfamiliar number, it’s often clear that it’s a scam. However, the situation changes when you hear the voice of your mother or another family member claiming to need help—it’s much easier to be deceived. Scammers are increasingly exploiting advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) for voice cloning, using it to convincingly imitate individuals to achieve their fraudulent demands. To clone a voice, scammers capture a snippet of someone’s real voice. They then employ AI tools to analyze the voice patterns and generate conversations, ultimately replicating and manipulating the voice. Surprisingly, just a few recorded words can enable these tools to imitate a voice convincingly. Let that serve as a reminder to remain cautious of being recorded, as such recordings can now be used against you for financial and personal exploitation.

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How to identify a voice cloning scam

Voice cloning scams can be difficult to identify. It can be hard to recognize when unknown individuals are masquerading as your family members, but there are a few things to watch out for:

Unnatural speech patterns

Tonally, a voice cloning scam can sound very realistic, imitating the cadence and pitch of people you know. However, there still may be imperfections in its attempt at replication of human speech. Pay close attention to any robotic speech patterns, unnatural sentence structure, irregular pauses, or strange pronunciation.

An unusually urgent request

If the request is urgent and your “family member” is in dire need, this call could be a scam. They may pressure you into making a quick decision, hoping you won’t take the time to analyze the situation too closely. They may make requests for immediate money transfers or claim that your bank account has been compromised.

Requests for personal information or money

Another telltale sign of a scam is a request for personal information or money. Never provide your social security number or bank account information over the phone. Cyber criminals will exploit this information and steal your identity and money, leaving you in financial destitution.

How to protect yourself from voice cloning scams

Now that you are aware of the hallmarks of a voice cloning scam, ensure you remain cautious and vigilant in safeguarding your personal data and finances. Maintain skepticism toward unfamiliar requests for personal information. Never disclose passwords, Social Security numbers, or authentication codes to a caller claiming to be someone you know. When uncertain about a situation, take a moment to pause. If the company is reputable or genuine, they will allow time for you to respond to any situation or service that requires your attention. Finally, consider verifying the phone number or the caller’s location to ensure legitimacy.

As technology evolves, criminals continuously refine the techniques they use to steal your financial and personal information. However, by arming yourself with knowledge and identifying the latest scams, such as voice cloning scams, you can prevent yourself from becoming a victim of crime. Stay informed about the newest scams and cyber-attacks with more privacy and safety tips.