Scams have always existed. In the past, criminals knocked on doors pretending to be bank employees. Today, they use Artificial Intelligence to send audio clips with the voices of relatives asking for money. Technology has amplified fraud, making it more realistic, but those who know the strategies used by scammers have a better chance of escaping.
Leonardo Oda, a marketing and technology expert, warns that AI has changed the game. ‘Criminals exploit shock and urgency to make victims act without thinking. That’s why the best way to protect yourself is to recognize the signs and adopt extra verification before making any decision,’ he says.
Audio and video scams: distrust your own perception
AI voice cloning has reached a concerning level. Currently, criminals need just a few seconds of audio to replicate someone’s voice accurately. This means a simple WhatsApp message or a social media video can be enough to create fake audio that even deceives close family members.
To protect yourself, Oda recommends confirming the person’s identity before taking any action. If you receive a money request via audio, call the contact back and verify the information. If the person doesn’t answer or responds with vague phrases like ‘I can’t talk now,’ double your suspicion. Another effective measure is to agree on a secret code word with family members for emergencies.
It’s also important to pay attention to details that might expose the fraud. Unusual pauses, slightly distorted speech, or a mechanical rhythm can be signs of AI manipulation.
In video cases, deepfake technology makes it even harder to distinguish what’s real from what’s manipulated. Lip movements out of sync with the audio, artificial facial expressions, irregular blinking, and background distortions may indicate falsification. Additionally, the voice may sound unnatural or have robotic pauses.
‘The best defense is skepticism, even if it seems real. Scammers use AI to manipulate emotions and create a sense of urgency. If something seems off, check before acting,’ Oda emphasizes.
Banks and companies don’t request data via message
‘Messages supposedly sent by banks or companies warning about urgent blockades are another common tactic,’ warns Oda. With AI, scammers can craft convincing emails and SMS, mimicking official communications to trick victims into clicking fraudulent links.
To avoid this type of scam, the advice is never to click on links received via email, SMS, or WhatsApp. The best approach is to verify directly on the bank’s official website or contact them via the number on your card. Also, never share passwords or verification codes, and be wary of alarmist messages, as criminals exploit fear to pressure victims into rash decisions.
Fake promotions and non-existent giveaways
‘Congratulations! You won a brand-new car, just pay a fee to release it.’ Who hasn’t received a message like this? With AI, these scams have become even more sophisticated. Criminals create manipulated videos and audio using celebrity faces and voices to promote fake prizes, making the deception even more convincing.
‘The first step to protecting yourself is remembering that if you didn’t sign up for any promotion, there’s no reason you would win,’ says Oda. Additionally, overly advantageous offers should be viewed with suspicion. Before believing a promise, check the company’s official website to verify if the promotion actually exists. And under no circumstances provide banking details to release a prize.
Information and caution are the best defense
Scammers take advantage of misinformation and urgency to deceive victims. Leonardo Oda recommends sharing these guidelines with family, especially elderly people and teenagers, who are frequent targets.
‘The best way to avoid a scam is to slow down. If something seems strange, stop, think, and confirm before making any decision,’ concludes the expert.
