You've probably heard the stories… A CEO was scammed out of $233,000 by someone imitating the voice of the CEO of his parent company. A 75-year-old woman almost lost $27,500 because she thought her grandson was in trouble.
For just $4, anyone can transcribe your voice with super cheap, super powerful AI software. Don't be fooled, I have inside information on the tricks these scammers use.
I'm giving away a $1,000 gift card to your favorite airline. Subscribe to our free technology newsletter and get involved!
Your vehicle is a target. Don't be hacked or tricked.
10 Popular Tactics
In an age where we broadcast our lives (and our voices) to the world on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn, YouTube, and more, scammers are having a blast.
They extract voice samples, feed them into AI machines, and produce frighteningly accurate replicas of your voice, setting the stage for an emotionally brutal and creative hoax.
Expert Tip: Unless you're trying to make it as an influencer or are some kind of public figure, set your social media profiles to private. A public account will only give away too much.
![Social media applications](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/01/1200/675/SOCIAL.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
If possible, setting your social media profiles to private will help you block scammers from stealing your personal information. (Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
Chaos at a kids' summer camp: There is a gas leak and you must evacuate immediately. The camp counselor wants you to pay for your child's hotel room and bus fare.
Charity Request: A voice you've definitely heard on TV youI am looking for cash to help disaster victims. What is your credit card number?
Neighbors need help: She's crying because your dog was hit by a car and she had to take him to the vet. Now are you going to pay the bill?
How to Buy Cheap Items (Storage or Resell)
Auto Parts Emergency: Your trusted mechanic just called with bad news: Your car has a major recall and you need to buy parts, so don't drive it. now!
Urgent business expenses: Your boss calls you from an unknown number. They are in a business meeting and need you to wire money urgently for an unexpected expense. Can you handle it right away?
Medical emergency: A relative's voice is heard excitedly saying that he has been in a serious accident and needs to pay the hospital bill immediately before he can receive treatment.
![Phone illustration in photo](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/06/1200/675/cordless_phone.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
There are thousands of potential voice scams targeting you. (Photo courtesy of Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
locked in prison: Your child has been arrested and needs bail money immediately. I am instructing you to send the money to a specific account before the situation gets any worse.
Public service interruption: The electric company representative spoke with the same voice you spoke with before and told you that if you did not take action, your service would be disconnected. Immediate payment.
School fundraiser: Your child's school principal calls and asks for donations to support a new project. All they need is your credit card information to process your donation.
Travel Issues: A close friend called from vacation. He lost his wallet and is stuck. Could you send him some money to cover his hotel and airfare?
These are just a few examples. Thousands Find out more about where these things come from.
![Phone showing caller ID](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2021/03/1200/675/iStock-1301151502.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Checking the caller ID is one of several ways to determine if the call you received is from a scammer. (iStock)
your plan of action
Before you sell your family silverware or clean out your savings account, let's talk about strategy. You need to know this right now. ~ before Be prepared, something scary might happen.
- Verify Caller ID: If the call comes from a number you don't recognize, or worse, a blocked or hidden number, that's a big red flag. Even if the person on the other end sounds like your child or mom, hang up and call their cell phone.
- Check out the video: In high-profile scams like those involving business, scammers have also used AI video. But most low-budget scams don’t go that far.
- Purchase time: If the person you are talking to claims that they are in trouble (e.g., an accident or being detained), tell them that you will help them, but that you would like to check on the situation first. Contact the person immediately through another means or contact someone who may know where the person is.
- Money Talks: If someone asks you to wire money or pay with Bitcoin, your scam alert should be ringing. A real emergency doesn’t come with specific and vague demands for payment.
Police warn homeowners about 'out-of-town' scammers selling and renting out vacation properties they don't own
People fall for this every day. Take care of the people in your life by sharing this story. You could save someone’s financial future.
Click here to get the FOX News app
Use technology smarter to fit your schedule
Award-winning presenter Kim Commando is your secret weapon in exploring technology.
Copyright 2024, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.