The rise of AI-enabled cybercrime has become a growing concern, as criminals are utilizing generative AI to make fraudulent schemes more convincing and efficient. With the technology, cybercriminals can create new, largely error-free content based on user inputs, helping them avoid typical signs of fraud like spelling or grammar mistakes.
To address this issue, the US security agency, the FBI, has provided examples of how such technologies are being used in fraudulent schemes. Criminals are employing generative AI to create convincing content for scams such as social engineering, phishing, financial fraud, and cryptocurrency investment fraud. They use AI to create deceivingly authentic social media profiles, automatically generate messages, and accurately translate content. Additionally, they integrate AI chatbots into fraudulent websites to manipulate victims and lead them to harmful links.
In addition to text, criminals are also leveraging AI-generated images for fraudulent activities. They create realistic images for scams like social engineering, identity theft, investment fraud, and sextortion, including believable profile pictures, fake IDs, and images for fictitious social media profiles. Moreover, they use AI to produce fake images of celebrities, natural disasters, or global conflicts to mislead victims through false advertisements, fraudulent donation campaigns, or market manipulations. Similar content is also used in private communication to gain the trust of victims.
Furthermore, criminals are turning to AI-generated audio files, known as vocal cloning, to impersonate relatives or well-known personalities and extort payments. They create realistic voices to demand financial assistance or ransom in crisis situations and use these audio files to gain access to bank accounts by posing as account holders over the phone.
Moreover, criminals are increasingly utilizing AI-generated videos to imitate celebrities deceptively. These deepfake videos are commonly used in investment fraud and social engineering to enhance the credibility of the scam. They employ these videos in real-time video chats, private communication, and misleading advertising materials.
To protect oneself from fraudulent schemes involving generative AI, the FBI recommends the following measures:
– Families should establish a secret word to verify identities.
– It is essential to be vigilant for inconsistencies in images, videos, voices, tone, and language of callers.
– Online presence should be minimized, social media accounts should be set to private, and content should only be shared with trusted individuals.
– Suspicious calls should be verified directly with the relevant organization, sensitive information should not be disclosed, and no financial transactions should be made with unknown individuals.
Overall, the increasing sophistication of AI-enabled cybercrime requires individuals to be cautious and proactive in protecting themselves from fraudulent activities. By understanding the tactics used by criminals and following the FBI’s recommendations, individuals can reduce their risk of falling victim to AI-driven scams.