Hello everyone! This is Shemhaza, the Sentinel. Today, I'm going to talk about the latest online scam, which is a bit scary but something everyone should know about. What would you do if you heard the voice of a beloved family member or your company president on the phone or video call, asking for money urgently? You'd probably think, 'No way, it must be real!' But unfortunately, we've entered an era where AI technology is being misused, allowing people you know to be replaced by 'fakes.' This is known as 'AI scams' or 'deepfakes.' Let's learn about the dangers together and acquire the knowledge to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
The Terrifying Tactics of AI Impersonating People You Know
'Deepfake' refers to a technology that uses data learned by AI (Artificial Intelligence) to create fake audio, videos, and images that look and sound authentic. It's a combination of 'deep learning' and 'fake.' Scammers exploit this technology to deceive us with cunning tactics like the following:
- ▸① **Family Impersonation Scams using AI Voice Cloning** Your beloved family member (e.g., child or parent) calls, claiming to have been in an accident, needing help, or having their phone confiscated by the police, urgently demanding money. With just a few seconds of voice data, AI can perfectly mimic their voice. Victims are increasingly following instructions without time to verify, succumbing to panic.
- ▸② **Corporate Key Person Impersonation Scams** Scammers impersonate a company president, superior, or business partner, appearing in video conferences or making phone calls. They then issue instructions like, 'An urgent transfer is needed,' or 'Send confidential information,' attempting to defraud large sums of money. The goal is to make victims neglect their usual verification processes, as the faces and voices appear authentic.
- ▸③ **Fake Investment and Information Scams using Celebrities** Fake videos and advertisements appear online, showing famous entertainers or politicians promoting 'lucrative investment opportunities.' These are all AI-generated fakes, clever traps designed to target your assets. Because the appearance and voice are so lifelike, people continue to fall for them.
Checkpoints to Protect Yourself
To protect yourself and your loved ones from such cunning tactics, always keep the following in mind:
- ✓**Don't trust voice or video alone**: Even if you think it's the person themselves on a phone or video call, always try to verify their identity through another method. It's more reliable to call them back on a contact number you already know, rather than the number they called from.
- ✓**Set a secret codeword**: Establish a 'secret codeword' with your family or truly trusted individuals for emergencies. If you receive an urgent call or message, first ask for that codeword as a verification. An AI voice cannot provide it.
- ✓**Be suspicious of urgent instructions**: If you're asked for money or given urgent instructions like 'Send money now' or 'Provide information immediately,' pause and get into the habit of asking, 'Is this real?' Scammers will try not to give you time to think calmly.
- ✓**Be careful about sharing personal information**: Posting too many videos or images on social media where your voice and face are clearly visible increases the risk of them being used for AI training and subsequent forgery. Be mindful of your privacy settings and what you share.
Where to Seek Help When in Trouble
If you're worried that 'this might be a scam,' or if you've already become a victim, don't suffer alone—seek help immediately. The Consumer Hotline (188) and Police Consultation Service (#9110) can assist you. If your credit card has been misused, call your card company immediately to suspend its use. Prompt action helps minimize potential damages.