AI Kidnapping Scam Explained
By Moshe Teren
CTO
MyChargeBack
You may have heard of a new type of scam that is targeting unsuspecting victims with phone calls that sound like real kidnappings. On this page we will explain how this scam works, how to recognize it, and how to protect yourself from it.
The scam involves using artificial intelligence (AI) to generate realistic voice recordings of people in distress, such as crying, screaming, or begging for help. The scammers then call potential victims and play the recordings, claiming that they have kidnapped their loved ones and demanding ransom money. The scammers may also use personal information obtained from social media or other sources to make the calls more convincing.
The scammers usually ask for the ransom to be paid in cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers, which are hard to trace and recover. They may also threaten to harm or kill the supposed hostages if the victims do not comply or try to contact the police.
The scam is designed to exploit the emotions of the victims and pressure them to act quickly without verifying the facts. The scammers may threaten to harm or kill the hostages if the victims do not comply or try to contact the authorities. The scammers may also use spoofing techniques to make the caller ID appear as if the call is coming from the hostages’ phones.
However, there are some signs that can help you identify this scam and avoid falling for it.
- Do not panic. Stay calm and try to assess the situation rationally.
- Do not send any money or provide any personal or financial information to the callers.
- Try to contact your loved ones directly or through other means, such as friends, relatives, or coworkers.
- Ask the callers for proof of identity or proof of life, such as a photo or a video of the hostages.
- Be aware of the quality and consistency of the voice recordings. AI-generated voices may sound robotic, unnatural, or distorted at times. They may also repeat phrases or words, or have pauses or glitches in the speech.
If you suspect that you have received a fake kidnapping call, you should report it as soon as possible. You can report it to the local police or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can also file a complaint online at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/. Reporting the scam can help stop the scammers and prevent others from becoming victims.
AI kidnapping scam is a serious and growing threat that can cause emotional and financial harm to its victims. By being aware of how it works and how to recognize it, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from this scam.
The AI kidnapping scam is a cruel and dangerous scheme that can cause emotional and financial harm to its victims. By being vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself and your family from this scam.
