Con artists use AI to enhance grandparent scams

Con artists are using advanced technology to trick seniors with a new version of the grandparent scam. In this scheme, scammers clone the voice of a family member, making it sound real and convincing. In one case, a grandmother was deceived into thinking her grandson was in jail and needed money for bail. She nearly paid $9,000, believing she was helping him. The scam has become more common, with Canadians reporting losses of nearly $3 million in 2024 alone. The latest technology involves AI-generated deepfake voices, which can mimic someone’s speech using just a few seconds of audio. This trend has raised concerns among experts. At a recent conference, professionals discussed how scammers exploit people's personal information found on social media. They often use old video posts to create lifelike voice replicas. Experts warn that sharing too much online makes individuals more vulnerable to scams. Retired CIA officer Peter Warmka advises people to establish a secret code or phrase with family members. This can help identify real calls from imposters. In the case of the elderly woman, a vigilant bank employee noticed something suspicious and stopped the transaction before any money was lost. The family of the scammed grandmother hopes sharing their story will raise awareness and prevent others from falling victim to similar schemes targeting seniors. They want to highlight the dangers of modern scams and the emotional toll they take on victims.