Artificial intelligence is spreading and advancing at an astonishing rate, already impacting how many of us learn, work, create, or even socialize.
But it’s not all positive.
As with any technology, criminals will wield tools for malevolent purposes, and AI is proving no exception to the rule.
Recently, the Vancouver Police Department issued a warning to citizens that AI technology was being harnessed in an effort to scam people out of money.
Posting an official “Fraud Alert,” the VPD called the emerging scam as a new impersonation tactic dubbed “cloning.”
“Artificial Intelligence is making it easier for people to get scammed,” the department said. “Fraudsters can make phone calls and or send you videos with your loved one’s voice or image, convincing you that you are speaking to or seeing them.”
Jeff Shiner, chief executive of Toronto’s 1Password, recently expressed a similar concern.
Technology now produces what many refer to as “deepfakes,” which are thoroughly convincing—but completely fabricated—AI renditions of manufactured realities.
If that sounds far-fetched, it’s not. Many musicians are already heated over the ability of AI to accurately mimic their valuable voices, for example. And every day, if only by nature of the beast, AI tech continues to improve.
“The voices and video are highly realistic,” the police confirm.
As for how to spot this particular scam, the calls and videos “almost always show a family member in distress who needs money,” the VPD says.
For further protection, the police recommend creating a “family code” for this situation. If there’s no code in place, they suggest asking a question only that one person would know the answer to in real life. Or, hang up and call that person back yourself or via a different method.
“Be wary of unexpected calls or messages, particularly if there is a sense of urgency or panic,” the VPD adds. “Update your devices and use reputable antivirus software.”
A remarkable 97% of Canadians feel vulnerable to fraud. Perhaps they are right to: Statistics Canada says cybercrime is on the rise.
Thankfully, AI is also being applied in defence of the everyday citizen, with Canadian companies deploying the technology for things like fraud detection.
There are also digital tools Canadians can use themselves, such as ScamSpotter, to stay aware and safe from digital threats.
Leave a Reply