Phone scams have become increasingly sophisticated, with scammers now using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to mimic the voices of loved ones, warns Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. This new ploy is designed to convince victims to part with money or share personal information. The Attorney General is urging residents to be aware of these scams and remain vigilant. To help consumers avoid falling victim to these scams, Raoul has provided a list of red flags to watch out for:
1. Scammers reaching out to you: Be wary of unsolicited emails, text messages, or calls from individuals you haven’t contacted. Also, be cautious if someone you don’t know knocks on your door to sell you something or ask for personal information.
2. Pressure to act quickly: Scammers often try to create urgency, pressuring you to send payment before you have time to think it through or discuss it with a trusted family member or friend. Take your time and don’t be rushed into making any decisions.
3. Requests for personal information: Scammers may pose as trusted organizations such as the IRS, Social Security Administration, or your bank. Remember that legitimate entities already have your information and won’t ask you to provide it. If they do need to contact you or request payment, they will use their established methods.
4. Unusual payment methods: Scammers may insist on payment through unconventional means, such as asking you to buy a gift card and provide the numbers, wire money, set up a cryptocurrency account, or use a peer-to-peer app to transfer funds. Once you’ve supplied the information or made the transfer, it’s extremely difficult to recover the money.
If you suspect that you have fallen victim to a scam, Attorney General Raoul advises filing a complaint on the official website of the Attorney General or contacting one of their Consumer Fraud Hotlines.
Phone scams have evolved, and scammers are leveraging AI technology to mimic the voices of loved ones, making it appear as though someone close to you is in trouble and seeking help. It is crucial for individuals to stay informed, exercise caution, and follow the red flags provided by Attorney General Kwame Raoul. By remaining vigilant and aware, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated scams.
