Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina has confirmed an alarming rise in scams where fraudsters use artificial intelligence to create fake voices of grandchildren on social media platforms like TikTok. These scammers specifically target vulnerable and elderly individuals who have grandchildren, scouring social media for videos of young people speaking.
How the Scam Works
- Voice Cloning: Scammers utilize voice-cloning software and spoofed phone numbers to make panicked calls, pretending to be the grandchild.
- Urgent Claims: The caller typically claims they have been arrested or injured and urgently need bail money or medical funds.
- Financial Loss: Victims have been tricked into sending thousands of dollars in cash and wire transfers, believing they are helping a loved one.
Commissioner Catalina advises families to establish safe words for emergencies, allowing family members to verify the identity of the caller before sharing any personal information.
Statistics on Scams
According to AARP data from 2023:
- Over 3,000 scams were reported on Long Island last year.
- These scams resulted in over $126 million stolen, primarily from senior citizens.
- In Nassau County, nearly $74 million was stolen.
- In Suffolk County, almost $54 million was taken.
The Suffolk County Police Department urges families to be vigilant and take protective measures against these scams.
Recommendations for Residents
- Do Not Share Personal Information: Catalina emphasizes that residents should not provide any personal information if they receive calls from someone claiming their child is in trouble.
- Voicemail Strategy: He recommends letting calls from unknown numbers go to voicemail, which can help track the source of suspicious calls.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity immediately by calling 911 or using Nixle.com.
Educating the Younger Generation
Catalina also stresses the importance of educating children about the dangers of these scams, especially since they often post videos online without realizing the potential risks.
Conclusion
In light of these developments, it is crucial for families to communicate and establish safety measures to protect themselves from falling victim to these sophisticated scams.
Newsday has reached out multiple times for comments regarding any arrests related to individuals using AI technology for scams in New York State but has not received a response as of the publication date. AARP spokespersons have also declined to comment on specific details surrounding recent cases involving AI-generated voices used in fraud schemes targeting seniors across Long Island.
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