Fraud involving the exact replication of voices using AI is on the rise; making this mistake on a call could prove costly..
Have you ever received a call from someone close to you, suddenly asking for financial help? The voice sounds completely familiar, and the caller insists on money being sent immediately. Trusting such a call without a second thought can prove costly. In the age of AI, cybercriminals have evolved their fraud tactics; they are now attempting to scam people by using "voice cloning"—mimicking a specific person's voice.
Online fraud is no longer limited to fake SMS, WhatsApp messages, emails, malicious links, or APK files. With the help of AI-based tools, criminals can replicate a person's voice with remarkable accuracy. They then use this cloned voice to call family members, friends, or acquaintances, citing an emergency and asking for a money transfer.
How is your voice cloned?
To clone a voice, cybercriminals first try to obtain a sample of your voice. Reels, Shorts, videos, or other audio clips posted on social media can be used for this purpose.
AI tools analyze these audio samples to understand vocal nuances, speaking style, and other characteristics, allowing them to generate a voice that sounds just like the original. Criminals can then use this cloned voice in phone calls or voice notes.
For instance, a family member might receive a call and hear a familiar voice on the other end. The caller claims to be in trouble and in urgent need of money. Trusting the familiar voice, the recipient might transfer the funds without verifying the situation.
Don't trust based on voice alone
In such situations, the most important thing is to avoid making hasty transactions. Families and close friends can agree on a secret codeword beforehand. If a close contact suddenly asks for money or financial assistance, ask for that codeword before proceeding with any transaction.
If the caller is indeed the genuine person, they will know the codeword. On the other hand, a scammer might find it difficult to answer specific questions about the situation. Additionally, verify the caller's identity by calling them back on their known, regular number. If necessary, speak to another family member to confirm the details.
**Exercise caution when sharing your voice on social media**
You do not need to completely stop sharing videos or content featuring your voice on social media, but it is wise to avoid making an excessive number of voice samples public unnecessarily—especially videos where your voice is recorded clearly and for an extended duration.
**Report fraud immediately**
If you fall victim to cyber fraud, file a complaint without delay. In India, you can use the cybercrime.gov.in portal to report cybercrimes. In cases of financial fraud, it is also crucial to immediately contact the helpline number 1930.
Furthermore, you can use the options available on the 'Sanchar Saathi' platform to report suspicious messages or incidents related to cyber fraud. Most importantly, do not assume a call is genuine simply because the voice sounds familiar; always verify the situation independently before transferring any money.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from TV9. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
