Tega Cay, SC — Impersonation scams are becoming more sophisticated and convincing than ever, thanks to advances in artificial intelligence. What once required manual effort, like stealing credit cards, can now be done more easily and effectively with AI technology, making these scams harder to detect and easier to fall for.
Tom Hyslip, recently featured on WBTV, is a cybersecurity expert with over two decades of experience in federal law enforcement with the Secret Service and the Department of Defense. He warns that AI has given criminals a new edge. “It’s really enabled criminals to take the next step where they can mimic other people,” said Dr. Hyslip, now an assistant professor in cybercrime.
The rise in AI-enabled scams is alarming. Deloitte’s Center for Financial Services predicts that fraud losses could reach $40 billion in the United States by 2027, up from $12.3 billion in 2023. Dr. Hyslip points out that cloning someone’s voice can now be done in as little as 30 seconds, allowing scammers to trick voice recognition systems used by some banks.
To protect yourself from these scams, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends:
- Resisting the urge to act immediately: Hang up and call the person back on a number you have saved.
- Verifying identities before sending money: Make sure the person is who they claim to be.
- Securing accounts with multifactor authentication: This adds an extra layer of protection.
Dr. Hyslip advises, “Let your family and friends know. Don’t assume when you hear my voice that it is me.”
The FBI also issued a warning about the dangers of AI-generated synthetic audio, stating that it is becoming increasingly difficult to detect. They urge the public to be cautious when posting personal photos, videos, and identifying information online, as these can be exploited by criminals.
As AI technology continues to advance, staying informed and vigilant is crucial to protecting yourself from these increasingly sophisticated scams.
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