'Sounded Like My Nephew': Woman Loses Rs 1.4 Lakh In AI Voice Scam; Here's How To Stay Safe

As technology advances, so do the tactics of scammers. The AI voice scam is a recent addition to the growing list of scams. Exploiting artificial intelligence, scammers find new and sophisticated ways to deceive individuals with potential financial repercussions.

Understanding the nuances of this emerging threat is crucial for individuals to protect themselves from falling victim to such scams.

Where did this happen?

A woman in Hyderabad, aged 59, fell prey to an AI voice scam, losing Rs 1.4 lakh. The scammer, mimicking the voice of the woman's nephew from Canada, claimed to be in distress and urgently needed financial assistance, as the Times of India reported.

How did it happen?

Late at night, the woman received a call where the person claimed to be involved in an accident and on the verge of being jailed. The caller urgently requested that the woman transfer money, emphasizing the need to keep their conversation confidential.

"He sounded just like my nephew and spoke exactly in the Punjabi we speak at home, with all the nuances. He called me late in the night and said he had an accident and was about to be jailed. He requested that I transfer money and keep this conversation a secret," the woman said.

Regrettably, the woman transferred the money into the caller's account, realizing afterward that she had fallen victim to a scam. Police officials in the city highlighted the rarity of AI voice scams but urged residents to exercise increased caution to prevent such incidents.

"AI voice frauds are happening, although in lesser numbers. People must double-check and verify whether the sense of urgency actually exists before transferring any money," a senior police officer in the Hyderabad police KVM Prasad said.

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How to stay protected?

Recently, cyber experts have noted an increase in AI voice scams targeting individuals with family members residing in countries like Canada and Israel.

To protect yourself from AI voice money frauds, consider the following precautions:

1. Verify the caller's identity, especially if they claim to be a distressed family member. Double-check with known contacts through alternate means.

2. Stay calm and take your time to assess the situation. Genuine emergencies allow time for verification.

3. Avoid sharing personal or financial details over the phone, especially if the caller is pressuring you.

4. In case of an emergency, directly contact family members through known phone numbers to verify the situation.

5. If feasible, use video calls to visually confirm the caller's identity and assess the situation.

6. Stay informed about the latest scams and fraud techniques. Awareness is crucial in preventing falling victim to fraud.

7. Report any suspicious calls to the local authorities or cybercrime units. Your report may help prevent others from falling victim.

Being cautious and verifying information can go a long way in protecting yourself from AI voice money frauds.

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