Imagine answering a phone call from your child asking for financial help, only to later discover it wasn’t your child at all—it was an AI-generated voice mimicking them perfectly. This unsettling scenario is becoming more common as cybercriminals leverage generative AI to create sophisticated scams. From cloned voices to lifelike video deepfakes, the threat landscape is evolving rapidly. But don’t worry, there are practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these schemes.
Understanding the Threat of AI Deepfakes
Generative AI, while incredibly innovative, has become a powerful tool for malicious actors. By using publicly available photos, videos, or audio, scammers can create hyper-realistic deepfakes that mimic people’s voices or appearances. These fake identities are then used in social engineering schemes, such as impersonating a loved one in distress or even posing as a trusted authority figure during a video call.
One common scam involves AI-generated voice cloning. Scammers use short audio clips of someone’s real voice—often taken from public social media posts or videos—and create convincing fake messages. These messages might ask for urgent financial assistance or even make ransom demands. Similarly, advanced video deepfakes can simulate someone’s appearance, allowing cybercriminals to impersonate executives, family members, or celebrities in real-time video calls.
The FBI has highlighted 17 different ways criminals are exploiting this technology for fraud, making it clear that no one is immune. As these scams become more convincing, it’s increasingly necessary to rethink how much personal information we share online and adopt strategies to verify the authenticity of the interactions we have.
Steps to Safeguard Yourself Online
One of the simplest ways to protect yourself is to limit the amount of personal content you share online. Photos, videos, and voice recordings on public platforms can be a goldmine for scammers looking to create deepfakes. Consider making your social media accounts private and limiting followers to people you know personally. This small change can significantly reduce the chances of your content being misused.
Another proactive step is to establish a family ‘safe word’ or phrase. This can be especially helpful in detecting voice-cloning scams. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a loved one in trouble, you can ask for the safe word to confirm their identity. This simple strategy can help you distinguish between a real emergency and a scam.
Additionally, pay close attention to the tone and word choice during phone calls or online interactions. AI-generated voices might sound convincing, but they often lack natural conversational nuances. Be skeptical of calls or messages that seem rushed, overly formal, or filled with errors. When in doubt, hang up and call the person back using a trusted phone number.
Adopting a Privacy-First Mindset
Beyond limiting your online footprint and using safe words, adopting privacy tools can greatly enhance your overall safety. For example, using end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) messaging apps like Signal ensures your communications remain private and secure. Similarly, employing a VPN like ProtonVPN can help mask your online activity, making it harder for scammers to gather information about you.
Consider being more intentional about the platforms you use and the information you share. Always review the privacy settings on your social media accounts and think twice before posting content that reveals personal details about your life. It’s also a good idea to routinely audit your digital presence and remove any old content that may no longer be relevant or necessary.
Lastly, stay informed about the latest scams and tactics used by cybercriminals. Knowledge is one of your best defenses. By understanding how these schemes work, you’ll be better equipped to spot red flags and respond appropriately. Subscribe to trustworthy security newsletters or follow reliable sources to keep up-to-date on emerging threats.
Key Takeaways to Stay Safe
- Limit your online presence by setting social media accounts to private and sharing content selectively.
- Create a family ‘safe word’ to verify the identity of loved ones in emergencies.
- Use privacy tools like VPNs and E2EE messaging apps to protect your digital footprint.
- Be cautious of unusual tone or word choices in calls or messages, and verify requests independently.
- Stay informed about evolving cyber threats to recognize and avoid scams more effectively.
Taking small steps toward better privacy and security can make a significant difference in protecting yourself from AI-driven scams. Remember, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about being proactive. Start with peace. Amplify the signal.
Source: FBI: Your Social Media Pics, Videos Fuel AI Scams, So Consider Going Private | PCMag