AI Unlocked: Staying Ahead of AI-Powered Scams
Recent Live Event Recap
Thank you to all the readers of WIRED’s AI Unlocked newsletter who tuned in for our most recent conversation about money and artificial intelligence scams. I had a blast interacting with readers and answering more questions live.
Recording Available
If you missed the broadcast, a full recording is available here for you to watch anytime you’d like, and the previous two livestreams from the AI Unlocked series are available too. Subscribers can watch the first one here and the second one here.
Scam Alerts and Prevention
Katie Drummond, WIRED’s global editorial director, kicked off our discussion this time, telling us how her father was recently approached by a scam caller who tried to trick him with a voice that sounded just like hers. Luckily no money was lost during that interaction, but it’s a solid reminder that AI-powered scams are not some future concern, but an issue worth considering right now. To safeguard yourself and your loved ones, you may want to set up a secret passcode that you can use to authenticate each other on calls, in case of emergencies.
Scammers’ Tactics
We were also joined by Andrew Couts, WIRED’s senior editor focused on security and investigations. Couts shared his insights into different approaches used by scammers, including how different groups are now using AI-powered tools to deepfake live videos and trick people out of money. He reminded viewers to pay attention to social engineering methods often used by scammers, like creating a sense of urgency or encouraging you not to tell anyone about it. You can learn more specifically about AI scam calls here.
Investigative Insights
During the live event, I spoke about my recent investigation into AI financial advisers and how it reminded me to stay skeptical of startups claiming to help out with money issues. Rather than using my banking data to help me financially, the AI advisers seemed focused on getting me to take out high-fee cash advances or high-interest personal loans.
Stay Informed and Engage
If you want to reach me and ask additional, thoughtful questions about using generative AI and chatbot tools in your daily life, my inbox remains open: reece_rogers@wired.com. I always enjoy hearing from WIRED subscribers, so no question is too basic or too niche to ask. Our next live event is scheduled for February, so keep an eye out in your inbox for more details soon.
Conclusion
Staying ahead of AI-powered scams requires awareness, vigilance, and a healthy dose of skepticism. By being informed about the tactics used by scammers and taking steps to protect ourselves, we can minimize the risk of falling victim to these schemes. Stay tuned for more insights and updates from the AI Unlocked series, and don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions and concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are some common tactics used by scammers?
A: Scammers often use social engineering methods, such as creating a sense of urgency or encouraging you not to tell anyone about it.
Q: How can I spot a scam call?
A: Be cautious of calls that ask for personal information or try to create a sense of urgency. Always verify the caller’s identity and purpose.
Q: What should I do if I’m targeted by a scammer?
A: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately and report it to your local authorities. Consider setting up a secret passcode with your loved ones to authenticate each other on calls in case of emergencies.
