Dane County Sheriff's Office warns of phone scams using AI
Artificial Intelligence is being used for scams over the phone. Dane County Sheriff's Office warns against oversharing on social media and protecting your online identity. The Dane County Sheriff's Office has issued a warning about the increasing use of artificial intelligence in telephone scams. The use of AI can create a recording using the victim's voice, which can make victims believe their grandchild is in danger. The warning comes as criminals are stealing thousands of dollars from senior citizens. The sheriff's office is urging people to share this information to deter these criminals. Sheriff Kalvin Barrett has advised against social media sharing too much, suggesting locking down privacy settings to prevent scammers from accessing video content. If someone is a victim of a scam, contact local law enforcement.
Published : a month ago by Chad Thompson in Tech
DANE COUNTY, Wis. (WKOW) -- The Dane County Sheriff’s Office says the use of artificial intelligence in telephone scams is becoming more common.
"The all too common “Grandparents Scam” has become even more believable with artificial intelligence," said Elise Schaffer, spokesperson for the sheriff's office. "By taking online videos and using AI to create a recording using the person’s voice, scammers can make their victims believe their grandchild is in danger and needs help."
Schaffer said certain populations are more vulnerable. Scammers are stealing thousands of dollars from unsuspecting senior citizens.
“We need to share this information far and wide to protect our most vulnerable community members from these callous scammers,” said Sheriff Kalvin Barrett in a statement. “The only way to deter this calculated criminal activity is to spread awareness of their ruthless tactics.”
Barrett advises to be cautious of how much is shared on social media accounts.
"Locking down privacy settings so that scammers cannot access video content is another way to lessen their prospects" Barrett said. "If you receive one of these calls, hang up and call the family member directly to check on their welfare. Chances are, they are doing just fine, and you can sigh with relief that your bank account is still intact."
If anyone believes they are a victim of a scam, they should contact local law enforcement.
Topics: Crime, Law Enforcement, AI