A man recently experienced a disturbing phone scam in which scammers used artificial intelligence (AI) to recreate his mother’s voice. The incident was shared by a TikTok user named Trevor, whose video has garnered over 2.7 million views and 345,000 likes in just two days. Trevor warns that internet scammers are continuously evolving and urges viewers to remain cautious.
According to Trevor’s account, he received a call from an unknown number while on his way to the gym. Despite the caller ID showing scam likely, Trevor answered the call because not all similar calls turn out to be scams. To his surprise, he heard what he believed to be his distraught mother on the other end, claiming that someone had taken her and was holding her against her will.
Concerned, Trevor asked his mom for her location, to which she responded that she didn’t know but that the scammers were demanding $5,000 in Bitcoin for her release. Sensing something was amiss, Trevor decided to end the call and dialed his actual mother’s number. When she picked up and confirmed that everything was fine, Trevor realized he had narrowly avoided falling victim to the scam.
What makes this particular scam even more chilling is that the scammers not only obtained Trevor’s number and his mother’s name but also managed to recreate her voice using AI technology. Trevor emphasizes that scammers are continually improving their techniques and warns others to remain vigilant.
The prevalence of AI voice scams has been growing in recent times. Fraudsters use AI programs to search the internet for individuals’ personal information, including audio or video posts on social media, which they leverage to make their scam calls more convincing. This sophisticated operation involves multiple individuals researching and gathering data, cloning voices, making the calls, and even collecting money if the scam is successful.
Trevor’s video has sparked discussion among viewers, with some advising against answering calls from unknown numbers, while others boast that they never answer any calls at all.
It is crucial for individuals to be aware of these evolving scams and take necessary precautions. With scammers utilizing AI technology to deceive their targets, it is essential to exercise caution and remain skeptical of unexpected calls, especially those requesting personal information or financial transactions. As technology advances, everyone must stay informed and adapt to the changing methods of scammers.
In conclusion, the incident shared by Trevor serves as a chilling reminder of the lengths scammers will go to deceive innocent individuals. The use of AI to recreate someone’s voice highlights the increasing sophistication of these scams. It is vital for everyone to stay informed, exercise caution, and be vigilant against evolving online threats.
