The use of advanced technology to scam people out of hundreds of thousands of dollars is on the rise since the release of AI software. AI scams are executed through voice cloning. All the scammer needs to do is find an audio clip of someone online, likely cloned from social media profiles, and upload it to the software.
Through the use of this sophisticated technology, experts say scammers only need three seconds of a person’s voice to replicate it. The devious scheme is nearly impossible to detect and preys on parents and grandparents using the replicated voice to fake an accident, arrest or even a kidnapping.
By using those scare tactics, scammers are able to get their victims to share personal information and send money without hesitation. Scammers will usually demand payment via money wires, peer-to-peer payment apps (e.g. Zelle or Venmo), cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
Here’s what to do if you receive a similar call:
- Have a family password or phrase, nothing you can easily discover online. If you receive a call that sounds like a loved one, ask them for the code word.
- Hang up and call the loved one in question to confirm the story. If you cannot reach them, call another family member or friend.
- If the caller pretends to be law enforcement, hang up and call the agency directly.
If you are a Merrimack customer and are concerned your personal or financial information was compromised, please call us directly at 603.225.2793.