Have you ever wondered if it is possible for fraudsters to clone your voice or the voice of a loved one, and then use it to scam you? Well, according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) there is a software that internet scammers are using to clone voices. It turns out, this is not just something we see in the movies, but it is something we need to be incredibly aware of and cautious of.
Below we explore what voice cloning scams are, how they work and how you can prevent being scammed.
What Are Voice Cloning Scams?
Since the creation of voice cloning software and technologies, fraudsters are now using this technique to pretend to be someone they are not. As they mimic the voices of loved ones, bosses or even members of the police force, fraudsters have successfully manipulated people that might be a little too close to home.
As new technologies continue to grow and evolve in the digital revolution, we are finding more and more internet fraud through access to consumer information. This is why it is imperative that you become vigilant while enjoying the innovation and freedom that comes with new technology.
How Do They Work?
Scammers are targeting phone customers by using software to mimic their voices. All they need is a 3-4 second snippet of your voice or someone else’s in order to leave a believable message asking for help or money. These snippets can be pinched from telemarketing calls, social media, prank calls, or from surveys making anybody as vulnerable as the next person.
Once they have the voice snippet, they spoof the phone number and are able to trick anyone into believing that they are legit. This can be done even to a point of hiding behind phone numbers that you are familiar with.
Have you ever wanted to understand fraudsters and why they do what they do? Take a look at our blog on exploring the mind of a scammer.
How To Prevent Being Scammed With Voice Cloning
There are a couple of ways to verify phone calls or voice messages. Our ultimate advice would be to avoid giving away money or agreeing to anything without being 100% certain of who you’re talking to.
Here are some ways you can prevent scams through voice cloning:
- Ask security questions: this might feel strange but if you’re worried it is a great way to prevent being scammed. Ask loved one’s security questions to verify that you’re talking to the right person. Scammers might be able to mimic voices in real-time calls, but they probably don’t know what your first pet’s name was or what your mother’s middle name is.
- Be aware of strange statements, questions or nuances: scammers will no doubt be asking for money or help, so it’s helpful to be aware of explanations that might not seem 100% legit. Try to pick up on these and discern them for yourself. When you suspect something, start asking questions.
- If you feel uncomfortable with a call, you can always hang up and contact your loved one in another way or from another phone. It’s also a good idea to report the call to an authority in your area.
Awareness Is Your Greatest Prevention Method
It is highly important that you stay alert when it comes to the internet and voice fraud. Your greatest prevention method is to ensure that you and your family members are clued up on the latest fraud and scam trends. Keep yourself in the loop with our Anti-Fraud News Blog, and learn how to protect your information online.Read more tips on how to prevent scams if you are a senior citizen, it is better to be safe than sorry. If you have been scammed by a voice cloning fraudster, report it at this link.