Cyber Frauds Use AI-Based Audio Cloning Technique to Dupe 68-Year-Old

Cybercriminals are using increasingly sophisticated techniques to target victims, including AI-based audio cloning. In a recent case, a 68-year-old woman was duped out of $10,000 after receiving a phone call from someone who sounded exactly like her son.The woman, who lives in California, received a call from a man who claimed to be her son. The caller said he had been arrested and needed bail money. The woman was initially suspicious, but the caller was able to provide details about her son's life that convinced her he was who he said he was.The woman wired $10,000 to the caller, but she later realized she had been scammed when her son called her from his real phone number.The scammer used an AI-based audio cloning technique to create a voice that sounded exactly like the woman's son. This technique is becoming increasingly common, and it is making it more difficult for victims to identify scams.In this case, the scammer was able to obtain personal information about the woman's son from social media and other online sources. He then used this information to create a voice that sounded exactly like the son's.The woman's case is a reminder that everyone is vulnerable to cyber fraud, regardless of their age or technical savvy. It is important to be aware of the latest scams and to take steps to protect yourself.Here are some tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of cyber fraud:

• Never give out personal information over the phone, email, or text message.

Be suspicious of any unsolicited calls or emails, especially if they ask you to send money or click on a link.

• If you are unsure whether a call or email is legitimate, hang up or delete it and contact the company or organization directly.

Use strong passwords and change them regularly.

• Keep your software up to date, including your operating system and antivirus software.

Be aware of the latest scams and how to protect yourself.If you think you have been a victim of cyber fraud, report it to your local police department and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can also file a complaint with the FTC online at www.ftc.gov/complaint.