How scammers cloned a teenager’s voice using AI and demanded 1M USD ransom
Scammers use AI to clone teen’s voice and demand 1M USD in a shocking incident, raising concerns over regulation of AI technology.
SOUMYA PRAKASH PRADHAN LAST UPDATED: 17 APRIL 2023, 11:42 AM IST INDIA
Photo: OTV
How scammers cloned a teenager’s voice using AI and demanded 1M USD ransom
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is gaining widespread popularity as technology giants like Google and Microsoft invest heavily in the field and add new value to the AI revolution.
Recently, Elon Musk also launched a new AI platform called X.AI., and OpenAI’s tools like ChatGPT and DALL.E have achieved immense popularity.
However, technology experts have expressed concern over the regulation of AI and warned against possible misuse.
OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman, had earlier warned against the potential misuse of AI, and a new incident has left the world in shock. Fraudsters employed artificial intelligence to replicate a teenager’s vocal characteristics and coerce her mother into paying a ransom.
According to a WKYT report, Jennifer DeStefano, a resident of Arizona, experienced a life-altering event after receiving an unexpected call from an unidentified number.
The individuals on the other end of the line utilised AI technology to replicate a young girl’s voice and coerced the mother into paying a ransom.
This incident has left many people shocked and wondering how they can protect themselves from such scams.
Protecting yourself from AI scams:
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly popular in recent years with the advancement of technology.
However, as with any new technology, there are concerns about the potential misuse and abuse. Even experts in the field have warned against the risks associated with AI.
- Be vigilant about unsolicited calls and messages: If you receive a call or message from an unknown number or email address, be cautious. Do not provide any personal information or engage in any financial transactions without verifying the authenticity of the caller or sender.
- Enabling two-factor authentication: To recommend practice to enhance the security of your accounts. This step can be instrumental in preventing unauthorized access to your accounts, even if your password is compromised.
- Keep your software up to date: Keeping your software, including your operating system and applications, up to date can help protect you from vulnerabilities that scammers and hackers can exploit.
- Educate yourself about AI scams: Stay informed about the latest AI scams and how they work. This will help you recognize and avoid potential scams in the future.