New tricks: scams using AI

Computers can now copy voices, faces and writing. Here is what that means for you.

An older Nigerian woman in an indigo and gold adire outfit and gele, explaining with an open hand

What is AI?

AI (artificial intelligence) is computer software that has learned from a very large amount of text, pictures and recordings.

Because of this, it can write, talk and make pictures that look and sound human.

AI is not a person

AI has no feelings. It cannot love you or be your friend.

A chat, a voice or a video made by AI can be controlled by a scammer. The scammer decides what it says.

Seeing and hearing is no longer proof

Computers can now copy a person’s voice, face and way of writing. A scammer may only need a short video or voice note from social media.

A phone call can sound exactly like your son or grandchild.
A video can show a famous pastor or politician saying things they never said.
A message can be written in perfect English.

Incoming call

Unknown number

0812 3456

The caller says:

“Mummy, it’s me, Tobi. Please don’t panic.”

“I had an accident and the police are holding me. Please send ₦200,000 to this account now. Don’t tell Daddy.”

It sounds exactly like him. That is no longer proof that it is him.

Old warning signs don’t work any more

Bad spelling, a strange voice or a blurry picture used to give scammers away. With AI, a scam can look and sound perfect.

So check what they are asking for, not how good it looks:

Are they asking for money, a code or a PIN?
Are they rushing you, or asking you to keep it secret?

If yes, stop. Check using a number you already know.

A family code word

Agree a secret word with your family. If someone calls asking for money, ask for the word. If they can’t say it, end the call and call back on their usual number.

How to set up a code word

Practise: what would you do?

5 real-looking examples of scams that use AI.

Read this as a lesson, one part at a time