AI technology is advancing rapidly, enabling the creation of convincing impersonations through audio and video deepfakes that mimic individuals closely. While deepfakes can sometimes be harmless—used in jokes or memes involving celebrities or public figures—their more sinister application is in scams, where they are utilized to defraud unsuspecting victims.
Many people are unaware of how sophisticated this technology has become, leading them to underestimate the risk of being targeted. Additionally, individuals often think they are too ordinary to be chosen by scammers.
Many forget that phone numbers can be spoofed, meaning that the caller ID can display a different number from the one actually making the call. Consequently, your friends and family might be skeptical if they receive a message on Facebook from someone pretending to be you, claiming you are stranded abroad.
However, if they receive a call, especially a video call, where you appear distressed and in need of assistance, they might rush to help, potentially falling victim to a scam. To safeguard against such scams, a simple solution can be effective: establish a safe word.
Cybersecurity experts often refer to this as a verbal password, a special phrase or word that friends and family can use to confirm identity during phone or video calls. It is crucial to choose a unique or nonsensical word that is unlikely to be guessed, steering clear of common personal identifiers like pet names, favorite books, or hobbies.
As scammers become more adept at using social media to obtain audio and video samples, assume anyone could be targeted. Even those avoiding social media might unknowingly feature in videos shared by others.
For heightened security, consider telling your family or friends not only to ask for a random password but also to request specific information known only to the two of you. This approach ensures that whether it’s a scammer or the real you making the call, you and your circle are protected.