Forum home The potting shed
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

SCAMS!

1313234363745

Posts

  • Helen P3Helen P3 Posts: 1,152
    I heard yesterday, that scammers use AI, to clone the voices of actual people (usually of those on social media) and use it to scam parents. :o   Apparently, it's quite prevelent in the US, but not so in Britain, YET... Someting to ...look forward to... :s

    The advice is to contact the person they're claiming to be BEFORE parting with any money or information.
  • Zoe P2Zoe P2 Posts: 848
    edited July 2023
    Helen P3 said:
    ... scammers use AI, to clone the voices of actual people (usually of those on social media) and use it to scam parents.
    Imagine being that parent, receiving that call!



    I have a dream that my.. children.. one day.. will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character

      Martin Luther King

  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    If you have a relative or friend who you are close enough to for them to ask for financial help, then you will surely have some method of contacting them to check before you go ahead and pay out on just a call - even if it sounds like someone you know.
    Whilst some of these scams are all too easy to fall for however savvy you are, individuals do also have to have a sense of responsibility for their own financial welfare. You can't really expect to be totally "risk free" in this day and age.  Sad but true.   
  • Helen P3Helen P3 Posts: 1,152
    I just saw an AI cloning of Martin Lewis on the BBC news.  Chilling.  I fear some will  "believe their eyes" AND ears and fall for the scam. 
  • Zoe P2Zoe P2 Posts: 848



    I have a dream that my.. children.. one day.. will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character

      Martin Luther King

  • steephillsteephill Posts: 2,841
    I mentioned this in March this year and it has become mainstream very quickly. The old adage about not believing anything you read now needs to be expanded to anything you see or hear. Always check using alternative means to make sure any contact is genuine.
  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    Had one of those emails supposedly from a friend asking if I would buy something for him from Amazon. Knew it was a Scam as it was signed with his full forename which my friend never used. Looks like his Email address has been hacked.
    What I was wondering was how the scammer could get to read any reply I might have sent if I had not been aware?
  • Helen P3Helen P3 Posts: 1,152
    You certainly did, steephill,  and though I know scammers with computers are capable of much, I was hoping this would be in the realms of their dreams only.  How wrong I was :'(  
  • Helen P3Helen P3 Posts: 1,152
    Many years ago, Palustris, a neighbour of mine received an email, ostensibly from a friend of hers.  The email included a link to, I think, Amazon.  She clicked on it and her email became infested with various adverts.  She tried to get rid of it, but in vain; the adverts persisted, so she changed her email address. 

    The only thing I can suggest, 
    Palustris, is for you to report it.   
  • For those who, like me, didn't see this on the news: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com



Sign In or Register to comment.