Scams Soar: 'Background Screaming' Tricks Victims with AI
Scams are on the rise, with fraudsters using advanced technology to trick unsuspecting victims. From AI-generated deepfakes to synthetic identities, scams are becoming harder to spot. The latest tactic, known as the 'Background Screaming Scam', involves convincing victims that a loved one has been kidnapped. It's crucial to stay informed and vigilant to protect yourself and others.
Scammers are exploiting artificial intelligence to create convincing deepfakes, mimic voices, and generate realistic sounds. In the Background Screaming Scam, they pretend to have kidnapped someone you know and play disturbing noises, like screaming, to create panic. They may even use AI to clone a loved one's voice to make the call more convincing.
To protect yourself, ignore and hang up from unknown numbers. Register on the National Do Not Call List and use apps or phone features to block numbers. If you suspect a scam, hang up and call the person in question using a known number to confirm their safety. Never use a phone number supplied by a potential scammer or give them money or personal information. Creating secret passwords with family members can help confirm identity, but it's not foolproof if the password is shared outside the family.
Scammers manipulate victims by playing upon fear and emotion, creating a sense of urgency to demand ransom money or personal information. They exploit a wide range of scams, including identity theft, biometric fraud, and financial service fraud. Even victims of crypto-trading scams risk further harm as their stolen identities are used for money laundering, turning them unwittingly into accomplices.
Reporting a scam, even if you can't recover funds, can help protect others and break the stigma. Always report scams to the police, banking institutions, and appropriate government agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Stay informed, stay vigilant, and always prioritize your safety and the safety of your loved ones.
