Hello! This is Shemihaza, the Sentinel. Today, I want to talk about a very sophisticated and terrifying scam that exploits the latest technology. It's a scam using 'AI-generated fake voices and videos,' much like something out of a sci-fi movie. Even if you think 'I would never fall for that,' please read to the end and prepare to protect yourself.
What are AI Scams and Deepfakes?
Lately, you've probably heard the term 'AI (Artificial Intelligence)' a lot on TV and the internet, right? This AI has evolved astonishingly, capable of mimicking human voices, faces, and speech patterns so perfectly that it can create fake videos and audio indistinguishable from the real thing. This technology is known as 'deepfakes' or 'AI voice cloning.' While convenient, when this technology falls into the wrong hands, it's used for 'scams' where criminals impersonate people close to you to deceive you.
Beware of These Tactics!
- ▸①**Evolved 'Ore Ore Sagi' (It's Me Scam)! Tactics using AI voice cloning to impersonate family**：They will call you, impersonating a family member or close friend. Since the voice sounds identical, you might not suspect it's a fake and they'll request money transfers, claiming urgent misfortune or trouble by saying 'I need money immediately.' Unlike previous 'Ore Ore Sagi' scams, it genuinely sounds like the person's voice, making it easier to fall victim.
- ▸②**Video Conferences are Also Dangerous! Tactics using deepfakes to impersonate bosses or business partners**：In scams targeting businesses, deepfakes are used to create the video and voice of a company president, boss, or business contact, and they may issue 'urgent transfer instructions' during an online video conference. In Hong Kong, a case was reported where billions of yen were extorted through a deepfake video conference impersonating a company's Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
- ▸③**Beware of Sweet Temptations! Misuse in romance scams and investment scams**：In 'romance scams' that feign online encounters, AI-generated attractive profile pictures and voices that sound like you're talking to the actual person are used to gain your trust and try to trick you out of money. Also, in investment scams promising 'guaranteed profits,' fake videos and audio impersonating celebrities may skillfully mislead you.
- ▸④**Sophistication of hard-to-detect phishing emails**：AI can now create perfectly natural Japanese sentences. This means that phishing scam emails, which were previously easy to spot due to unnatural Japanese, now appear as natural as emails from legitimate companies or banks, attempting to deceive you.
Checkpoints to Protect Yourself
- ✓If there's an urgent request for money, always contact the person through a 'different method' to confirm if they are truly making the request (e.g., call them instead of emailing, ask for a pre-arranged secret word).
- ✓If you feel something is 'a bit off' during a video call, ask the other person to perform a specific action, such as covering their face with their palm, to confirm their reaction.
- ✓Avoid easily posting videos on social media where your voice is clearly audible or your face is clearly visible.
- ✓Never respond to sudden money requests or messages asking for personal information from unknown parties, no matter how cleverly worded.
- ✓Install reliable security software and ensure it is always kept up-to-date.
Where to Seek Help When in Trouble
If you have fallen victim to an AI scam or deepfake as discussed today, or if you feel something is suspicious, do not keep it to yourself. Immediately contact the following hotlines. If there's a possibility of unauthorized credit card use, contact your credit card company immediately.
Consumer Hotline: 188 (no area code required)
Police Consultation Hotline: #9110