Scams have always existed. In the past, criminals would knock on the door pretending to be bank employees. Today, Artificial Intelligence is used to send audio messages with the voices of relatives asking for money. Technology has empowered frauds, making them more realistic, but those who know the strategies used by scammers have a better chance of escaping.
Leonardo Oda, a marketing and technology specialist, warns that AI has changed the game. "Criminals exploit fear and urgency to make victims act without thinking. Therefore, the best way to protect yourself is to recognize the signs and adopt extra checks before making any decision," he says.
Audio and video scams: be wary of your own perception
AI voice cloning has reached a concerning level. Currently, criminals need only a few seconds of audio to accurately replicate someone's voice. This means that a simple WhatsApp message or a video on social media 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 back the contact and verify the information. If the person does not answer or responds with vague phrases like "I can't talk now," increase your suspicion. Another effective measure is to combine a secret keyword with family members to be used in emergencies.
It is also important to pay attention to details that may reveal the fraud. Unusual pauses, a slightly distorted tone of voice, or a mechanical speech rhythm are signs of AI manipulation.
In video cases, deepfake technology makes it even more difficult to distinguish what is real from what has been manipulated. Misaligned lip movements with the audio, artificial facial expressions, irregular blinking, and distortions in the background of the image may indicate forgery. Additionally, the voice may exhibit unusual intonation or robotic pauses.
“The best defense is to be suspicious, even if it seems real. Scammers use AI to manipulate emotions and create a sense of urgency. If something seems off, check it out before you act,” Oda said.
Banks and companies do not ask for data via message
"Messages supposedly sent by banks or companies, warning about urgent blocks, are another common tactic," warns Oda. With the use of AI, scammers are able to create convincing emails and SMS messages, simulating official communications to trick victims into clicking on fraudulent links.
To avoid this type of scam, the guidance is never to click on links received via email, SMS, or WhatsApp. The best way is to check directly on the official bank website or contact the phone number listed on the card. It is also important never to share passwords or verification codes and to be wary of alarmist messages, as criminals exploit fear to lead victims to make hasty decisions.
Fake promotions and non-existent sweepstakes
Congratulations! You won a brand new car, you just need to pay a fee to release it. Who has never received a message like this? With AI, these scams have become even more sophisticated. Criminals create manipulated videos and audios, using faces and voices of celebrities to promote fake prizes, making the scam even more convincing.
"The first step to protect yourself is to remember that if you haven't signed up for any promotion, there's no reason to win anything," says Oda. Furthermore, excessively advantageous offers should be viewed with suspicion. Before believing the promise, check the company's official website to verify if the promotion really exists. And, under no circumstances, provide banking details to claim a prize.
Information and caution are the best defense
Scammers take advantage of misinformation and urgency to deceive victims. Leonardo Oda recommends that these guidelines be shared with family members, especially the elderly and teenagers, who are often 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.
