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    How a fake AI ‘you’ could con your parents out of thousands

    enJuly 24, 2023

    Podcast Summary

    • Exploring the Power of LinkedIn and Deep Fake TechnologyLinkedIn offers access to a large pool of professional candidates, while deep fake technology poses a threat by enabling convincing fake voices. Stay informed and take precautions to protect yourself in both realms.

      LinkedIn is a valuable resource for finding professional candidates who aren't actively looking for new jobs. With over 70% of LinkedIn users not visiting other leading job sites, businesses risk missing out on top talent by not utilizing LinkedIn for their hiring needs. Meanwhile, in the world of technology, deep fake technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated, allowing scammers to create convincing fake voices of normal people. These fake voices can be used to deceive loved ones, such as parents, into giving away large sums of money. It's important to be aware of this threat and take steps to protect yourself, such as being cautious about sharing your voice recordings online and being skeptical of unexpected calls or messages. In the realm of journalism, reporters are using technology to explore the potential risks and consequences of deep fake technology. In the case of the podcast "Stories of Our Times," a reporter named Katie Tarrant demonstrated how easy it is to create a fake audio recording of someone with just a few minutes of their original voice. This serves as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant and aware of the potential for deep fake technology to be used for malicious purposes. So whether you're a business owner looking to hire top talent, a consumer concerned about deep fake technology, or a journalist exploring the implications of this technology, it's essential to stay informed and take steps to protect yourself.

    • Creating Fake Voices with Ease and AffordabilityVoice cloning technology is accessible and affordable, allowing scammers to create convincing fake voices to manipulate and deceive people.

      Voice cloning technology is becoming more accessible and can be used for malicious purposes, such as scams. In the discussion, a journalist demonstrated how easy it is to create a fake version of her voice using just 3 seconds of audio and a voice cloning software called 11 Labs. She prepared some sentences and played them to her mother on the phone to test if her mother would notice the difference. The journalist emphasized that scammers can invest time in getting to know their targets and predicting their responses, making it essential to stay alert. The journalist shared that she used an embarrassing video of herself for the cloning process, which only required a minute of audio and was available for a dollar through a month-long subscription. The ease and affordability of this technology are concerning, as it can be used to manipulate and deceive people. The journalist warned that this technology is being used as a scam that's becoming increasingly common in the UK.

    • Deepfake technology allows scammers to impersonate loved ones in distressDeepfake technology enables scammers to create convincing AI clones of people using minimal voice recordings, tricking victims into sending large sums of money under false pretenses.

      The use of deepfake technology has evolved to the point where scammers can create convincing AI clones of people based on as little as three seconds of their voice recordings. These scammers can then use this technology to impersonate loved ones in distress and extort large sums of money from unsuspecting victims. In one example discussed, a scammer pretended to kidnap a woman's daughter and demanded a ransom from her father. The scammer even went as far as to threaten to harm the daughter and mail "hoes" to the father if he didn't comply. These types of scams cost victims an estimated $2.6 billion in the US alone last year. Scams can also involve other scenarios, such as car accidents or arrests abroad. It's important to be aware of these threats and remain skeptical, even if the caller seems to have access to personal information or can provide "proof" of the situation. Remember, if you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the person or organization directly using a trusted phone number or method of communication.

    • AI can deceive loved onesBe aware of AI's potential to mimic human speech and take precautions like setting up security measures to prevent deception.

      Technology, specifically AI, can be used to deceive even our closest loved ones. In the conversation shared, a son unknowingly interacted with an AI impersonating him, causing concern for his mother. This incident highlights the importance of setting up security measures, such as code words, to prevent such incidents. The conversation also showcases the potential for AI to mimic human speech convincingly, adding to the concern. While the technology behind AI has numerous benefits, it's crucial to be aware of its potential risks and take necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

    • Protecting Consumers from Counterfeit Scams while Maintaining Ethical PracticesBusinesses must prioritize fraud prevention as counterfeit scams become more lucrative and less risky for criminals. Quintz offers authentic, high-quality items at discounted prices with ethical manufacturing practices as a safer option for consumers.

      Quintz offers high-end essentials at significantly discounted prices while maintaining ethical and responsible manufacturing practices. Meanwhile, counterfeit scams have become increasingly prevalent and profitable due to the ease of execution and low risk involved, accounting for about 40% of all crime. Fraudsters have shifted from more dangerous activities like bank robbery and drug dealing to exploiting vulnerabilities online. The former detective, Peter Barron, who now runs a security company called Transaction 360, emphasizes the importance of businesses protecting themselves from fraud, as it's becoming a less risky and more lucrative venture for criminals. Quintz, with its commitment to authenticity and ethical practices, provides a compelling alternative for consumers seeking quality items without falling prey to counterfeit scams.

    • Scammers in the AI world are more connected than you might thinkScammers in the AI world are often part of a community, sharing tips and tricks, and face minimal consequences if caught, making it an attractive criminal enterprise.

      Becoming a scammer in the AI world comes with a low risk of being caught and minimal consequences if convicted. The costs are low, and the potential earnings are significant. Scammers often share tips and tricks, forming a community that's not as solitary as one might imagine. The former detective who provides insights into these scams describes the scammers as personable, articulate, and educated individuals who aren't greedy but rather pick a "sweet point" for their targets. The Metropolitan Police have limited resources to investigate fraud under £50,000, so most cases go uninvestigated by specialized fraud officers. The scamming community is more complex and less isolated than one might assume.

    • Prevalence of family scams and emotional manipulationStay vigilant against family scams by verifying info, reporting suspicious activities, and using a secret code word with family members. AI adds complexity with deepfake technology, so stay informed and proactive.

      While advancements in technology like AI can bring about numerous benefits, they also pose significant risks, particularly when it comes to fraud and scams. The discussion highlighted the prevalence of scams targeting families, with victims often losing large sums of money due to their emotional attachment and the scammers' manipulation tactics. The police and reporting centers like Action Fraud acknowledge the underreporting of such crimes due to embarrassment and stigma. To protect yourself, it's crucial to remain vigilant and apply general fraud prevention tips, such as taking your time to verify information, reporting suspicious activities to the authorities, and setting up a secret code word with your family members. The use of AI and deepfake technology in scams adds another layer of complexity and urgency to this issue, making it essential to stay informed and proactive. Despite the potential risks, it's important to remember that AI also holds immense potential for positive change. For instance, it can help individuals with speech impairments communicate more effectively. As we continue to explore the capabilities of AI, it's essential to strike a balance between embracing its benefits and addressing the challenges it presents.

    • Maintaining Human Connection in a Tech-Driven WorldWhile technology offers benefits like AI voices, it's essential to balance these advances with human intuition and skepticism. Human connection remains vital.

      While technology allows for impressive advancements, such as AI voices that mimic human speech, it's crucial to maintain a healthy balance between the benefits and potential risks. Katie Tarrant, a news reporter at The Sunday Times, shared her personal experience with an AI voice changer that convincingly mimicked her voice. Although it brought some convenience, her mother's suspicion and the limitations of the technology in capturing the genuine human energy in her voice highlighted the importance of human intuition and skepticism in today's world. The discussion also touched upon the importance of flexible insurance coverage, which UnitedHealthcare Insurance Plans offer, and the upcoming Mother's Day, encouraging listeners to celebrate their moms with thoughtful gifts from 1-800-Flowers. Overall, the conversation emphasized the significance of striking a balance between embracing technology and maintaining human connection.

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