AI scam nearly cheats mom of $50,000 by cloning daughter's voice
News & Politics
Introduction
A warning has been issued for anyone with a cell phone after a harrowing incident involving a Grand Rapids mother who almost lost $ 50,000 to a voice cloning scam over the weekend. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has reported a surge in scam calls and texts, especially during this political season, where scammers exploit vulnerable individuals by using synthesized voices of political candidates. However, for Mary Scott, the scam was not politically motivated; it revolved around her daughter's safety, triggering intense emotional turmoil.
On a Sunday morning in Grand Rapids' northeast side, Mary Scott received a call from an unknown number in the Holland area. To her shock, she recognized her daughter's voice on the other end, who was clearly distressed. "I thought this is real; how can it be? It’s impossible," Mary recalled. Her daughter Dory was crying, mumbling something that raised alarm, and Mary distinctly heard, "They’re taking me."
A man then intervened, introducing himself as an official from a Mexican cartel. He told Mary that her daughter had been in an accident and was in their custody. Initially perceiving the man as a first responder, Mary quickly grasped the gravity of the situation as she began negotiating for her daughter's life. Filled with panic, she thought, "Heck yeah, I’m going to give whatever they need as long as I can," and realized she was facing a request for $ 50,000.
Fortunately, Mary's husband soon contacted 911. Upon speaking with the dispatcher, he learned that the call was likely a scam and was advised to call their daughter immediately. When Dory answered, she reassured her father, explaining that it was indeed a hoax. Although relieved, Mary described the experience as terrifying and noted that such schemes often target older individuals.
The BBB has categorized this terrifying scenario as a voice cloning scam, which uses artificial intelligence to manipulate audio samples of someone’s voice, often sourced from social media. Fortunately, Mary Scott did not lose any money, but her willingness to act quickly in the face of danger illustrates the ongoing threat posed by these scams.
The BBB advises anyone receiving similar calls to contact the police or verify the story with the loved one in question before taking action. It is crucial to resist the impulse to act immediately in such distressing situations.
Keyword
- AI Scam
- Voice Cloning
- Grand Rapids
- $ 50,000
- Mexican Cartel
- Emotional Turmoil
- Better Business Bureau
- Distressed Call
FAQ
Q: What happened in the Grand Rapids scam incident?
A: A mother received a distressing call from someone allegedly using her daughter’s voice, claiming she was in danger and demanded $ 50,000.
Q: How did the scam work?
A: The scam utilized artificial intelligence to clone the daughter's voice, creating a realistic imitation that caused the mother to believe her daughter was in immediate danger.
Q: What should you do if you receive a similar call?
A: It is advisable to contact the police or directly call the loved one purportedly in danger to verify their safety before taking any action.
Q: Did Mary Scott lose any money?
A: No, Mary Scott did not lose any money, but she was ready to act quickly in a moment of panic.
Q: Who can be targeted by voice cloning scams?
A: While anyone can be targeted, these scams often exploit vulnerable individuals, including older adults, who may not be as familiar with technology.