AI Voice Cloning Fuels Global Mobile Phone Scam Surge

AI voice cloning scams are rapidly increasing worldwide, with fraudsters using artificial intelligence to create convincing imitations of loved ones' voices to trick victims into sending money. These scammers often use brief audio clips from social media or voicemails to generate realistic fake calls, costing as little as $20 per month to produce unlimited recordings. Studies reveal a significant portion of the population has been targeted or knows someone who has fallen victim, with many unable to distinguish real voices from AI clones, leading to substantial financial losses. Mobile phishing attacks, including voice phishing (vishing) and SMS phishing (smishing), are becoming more sophisticated and prevalent, exploiting AI to pressure victims and evade traditional email-focused security measures. Cases from China highlight the human toll, such as elderly individuals being deceived by AI-generated calls mimicking relatives in distress, posing challenges for law enforcement and families alike. Experts recommend simple protective measures like establishing family code words to verify callers' identities and prevent falling prey to these scams.