The New Face of Fraud: Scams Every Albertan Over 55 Should Know About
By Julie Matthews
Can you spot a fake video or photo online? You may think you can, but artificial intelligence (AI) technology is advancing so rapidly it is becoming more difficult to spot scams created with AI.
The biggest danger isn’t the technology itself but how convincing these scams have become. Today’s fraud is about manipulation, making you feel fear and urgency or other emotions so you act or click without thinking. The scams are polished, professional and tailored just for you.
One of the fastest-growing threats is AI voice cloning. Scammers can create a copy of someone’s voice using only seconds of audio taken from a social media video or voicemail message. They use this to call pretending to be a grandchild or family member in trouble, needing you to send money to help. They will sound just like them! Protect yourself from this scam by having a family safe word. When someone calls pretending to be a family member in trouble, ask them for that word. The fraudsters won’t know it. I know numerous individuals in Alberta who have been saved from this scam by having that safe word.
Deepfake videos are one of the most common and dangerous scams involving AI. Criminals use the technology to create realistic-looking videos of people you know and trust. Celebrities, politicians, news personalities, bank officials and more have their images stolen and used in these scams. The videos often promote fake investments, cryptocurrency schemes, miracle health products, or are trying to start a romantic relationship or friendship with you. Don’t trust videos like this asking you to send money or provide personal information.
The investment scams and romance scams using AI are the ones I hear about the most. So many Albertans have been devastated by these scams, truly believing the prime minister told them to invest in something, or that a certain celebrity is actually messaging with them. Please keep an eye on your loved ones. They often won’t tell anyone when they have fallen victim to these scams.
I recently spoke to an Alberta woman who clicked on a social media video she thought was the prime minister advertising a protected cryptocurrency investment. All she had to do was invest $350. That didn’t seem too bad. However, then the daily phone calls and high-pressure tactics began. Promises of high returns, and she was told she could take her money out whenever she wanted. That did not happen. After six months, she had invested $15,000 she did not have to spare and couldn’t get a cent back.
Celebrity romance scams using AI are skyrocketing! I hear from more and more Albertans who think they are messaging with Kevin Costner, Sandra Bullock, Liam Neeson, and every model, singer and celebrity you can think of. They receive personalized AI videos, so it looks like that celebrity is really communicating with them. They are very convincing. But sadly, they are fake, and eventually these scammers also find reasons why they need you to send money.
AI is also just helping scammers personalize each message and image just for us. AI will write the messages for the criminals, making it sound more legitimate, and with perfect grammar, spelling and empathy.
The following images are all AI generated and are therefore fake:
So how can you protect yourself?
Seeing is no longer believing. Photos, voices, videos and messages can all be manipulated.
Slow down. Scammers use panic and excitement to their advantage. They are using your emotions against you.
Verify everything independently. Look up the website or phone number yourself. Check profiles for that person.
You can’t just trust your gut anymore. And that old saying “too good to be true” is a good tool, but it’s not enough anymore. The scams are getting too good. Stop and ask yourself, “Am I being manipulated into feeling something right now?” Research everything and know that AI is everywhere and it is here to stay. Stay safe!
Julie Matthews
Julie Matthews provides dynamic fraud prevention presentations across Western Canada to seniors, businesses and communities. Before starting her own business, Julie was an Investigative TV reporter for 19 years and an investigator with the Government of Alberta’s Consumer Investigations Unit. She is a certified fraud examiner and has the popular weekly segment “Scam Alert” on 840 CFCW radio. For more information or to book Julie, visit her website at juliematthews.ca