“Outsmarting Bot-Based Hoaxes: A Fun Guide on Detecting and Defending against AI Scam Calls”
“AI Scam Calls: How to Protect Yourself, How to Detect”
“In late November, the Federal Trade Commission shut down four groups responsible for billions of robocalls in 2019. These included calls from ‘Card Services,’ offering to lower your credit card interst rate, and ‘US Pharmacy,’ peddling male enhancement pills and more,” reports Andy Greenberg of Wired.
Another win for the little guy! Our friendly neighborhood Federal Trade Commission is stepping in and saving the day by shutting down these pesky robocall villains. ‘Card Services’ masking as your white knight offering a lower credit card interest rate? Zapped! ‘US Pharmacy’ trying to sell you a dubious magic pill? Extinguished!
But let’s not bask too long in the warm, fuzzy glow of the FTC’s victory. Those irritating, unsolicited calls that you’ve tossed into your Blocked Contacts graveyard are an ever-evolving menace. Introducing the even more cunning imposter contender, AI-generated voice scam calls!
So, how does one dodge these synthetic, AI-crafted, vocal booby traps? Fear not!
Using sophisticated AI algorithms, companies can now analyze calls, thereby sniffing out deceitful scam voices even when they’ve done their best to cloak themselves as your innocuous friend or caring family member. Tools like Pindrop’s Deep Voice engine generate a score for each call, revealing a caller’s truthfulness or deception.
And it’s not just the machines stepping up to the plate. Humans, too, are putting on their detective hats! Individuals report sketchy calls, then service providers assess and slap dishonest numbers with a spam warning label.
However, now that we’re all revved up on the deception-detection train, don’t be fooled into thinking every unsolicited call is out to swindle you. Keep in mind, there are still legitimate calls out there that may seem suspicious initially. Companies with services like Amber Alerts or potential safety threats, while unexpected, are valid and essential.
So, the next time your phone rings with an unrecognized number, will you choose to listen past ‘Hello’? Always remember, not every red flag means danger. Sometimes, it’s merely an odd-colored wave saying, ‘It’s your doctor calling about your test results’. Adopt a critical ear, stay alert, but do not devolve into a paranoid hermit because the bogeyman of AI-scam calls chose your number.
Because, hey, the FTC is watching, and so is the collective sleuthing might of AI and discerning individuals like yourself. Now, isn’t that a fun thought?