AI Pulse

Guide

Public Safety Alert: Spotting AI Scams

Important: Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

We’re seeing a rise in scams using artificial intelligence (AI) to trick people. These scams can be very convincing, making it hard to tell what’s real. This alert focuses on a common type: AI-generated impersonations.

What’s Happening?

AI can now create remarkably realistic voice clones and fake videos. Scammers are using these to impersonate people you trust – family members, friends, or even company representatives. They might call you pretending to be your grandchild needing urgent help, or send a video of a “lost” colleague asking for a money transfer. Fake shops are also emerging, using AI-generated images and product descriptions to lure victims into online purchases.

Common Scenarios:

  • Voice Cloning Calls: You receive a call from someone claiming to be your child, urgently needing money for an emergency. They sound just like them.
  • Fake Video Messages: You receive a video message from a supposed colleague asking you to wire money to a new account due to a company issue.
  • AI-Generated Shopfronts: You discover a seemingly legitimate online shop selling high-end goods at incredibly low prices – a classic sign of fraud.

What to Do – A Quick Checklist:

  • Verify, Verify, Verify: Always independently verify the person’s identity. Don’t rely on what they say over the phone or in a message.
  • Call the person back using a known, trusted number (not one they provided).
  • If it’s a company, go directly to the company’s official website or contact them through their official channels.
  • Don’t Rush: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. Take a deep breath and slow down.
  • Never Send Money: No matter how convincing the story, never send money to someone you don’t know and trust.
  • Question Unusual Requests: Be wary of requests that seem out of character for the person involved.
  • Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a scam, report it to:
  • Your local police or law enforcement agency.
  • The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: [https://www.antifraudcentre-cc

This guide was drafted with AI assistance and passed an automated accuracy and safety review. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.