The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought many benefits, but it has also created new opportunities for scammers. In France, cases of scams involving fake AI-generated voices have increased dramatically in recent years. This is causing growing concern among the authorities and the public.
These fake voices are used for financial fraudphishing calls, telephone scams and much more. The consequences can be disastrous for victims. They may lose large sums of money or fall victim to a violation of their privacy. Authorities are increasingly concerned about this alarming trend. Thus, they are looking for ways to protect consumers from these sophisticated scams.
New fake AI voice scam worries families
A report broadcast on TF1 featured the testimony of a mother and daughter who went through a traumatic experience in the USA. While Jennifer Destefano’s daughter Briana was away on a snow trip, her mother received a call from a unknown number. When she answered, she heard her daughter’s voice crying and screaming for help. A man then picked up the phone to demand a ransom.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) scams using voice cloning are the new frontier for fraudsters targeting consumers @iiDENTIFii #Africa #ArtificialIntelligence #Scams #VoiceCloning #Technology #Fraud
Read more: pic.twitter.com/30tAZiU8rC– APO Group English (@APO_source) April 18, 2023
Despite her panic, Jennifer managed to locate her daughter within minutes. She discovered that the kidnappers had used artificial intelligence to imitate Briana’s voice and deceive her mother. The young girl is now worried that the criminals might have collected other information about her. In recent months, AI tools such as text chat simulators and fake image generators have often made headlines.
Technological deception: how AI is revolutionizing the voice scam
Advances in technology have given rise to a number of voice cloning devices. This makes it possible to reproduce a voice from a sound recording of the person you wish to imitate. Sinead Bovell, a technology specialist in New York, claims that the majority of people under the age of 25 have an online audio fingerprint. This will increasingly complicate identity verification in a world where these computer tools are accessible.
To use this software, you don’t have to be a computer expert, as many numerous tutorials are available online. TF1 journalist Axel Monnier tested the system using a recording of his own voice. However, the results were not very convincing. However, with an English-speaking voice, the AI can imitate impressively imitate the voices of public figures.
Risks to consider when using it
It is important to responsibility and ethics when using artificial intelligence (AI), as it can entail certain risks. One of the most important is the loss of jobs. Moreover, AI has the ability to automate tasks that were previously performed by human workers. This causes considerable economic and social disruption. Another risk is associated with automated decision-making.
In addition, malicious use of AI is another danger, such as hacking or the creation of deepfakes. Data confidentiality and security can also be jeopardized. AI can collect and use personal data without authorization. Finally, if AI becomes sufficiently advanced, it could escape human control. This could have unforeseen and potentially dangerous consequences for society as a whole.