WARNING: Reports are that the crooks are harnessing AI to get snippets of the target’s voice, perhaps by "stray calls" where you answer an unknown number and speak (e.g., "hello" or "hello is there anyone there?").
The AI is capable with a few voice snippets to perfect mimic your voice and call people you know to perpetrate scams (e.g., "help, my car broke down out of town, please wire me $500" or "hi bookkeeping this broker, please transfer my banking information to account 843483558343" or "hi this is paralegal here is your wiring instructions for your closing tomorrow…685473932002").
Defenses include you not answering unknown numbers. Let the call go to voicemail and return messages as appropriate. Educate your staff and clients and colleagues about this scam and develop defenses.
Reports are that this AI speech mimicking can fool about everyone when utilized.
Be cautious about wiring money. Find other means of assisting people when you get an emergency call. Or perhaps take the risk.
Defenses for large wires in closings, verify wiring instructions via secure communications, due to this AI scam – no longer rely upon voice recognition of lawyers and paralegals unless you are certain of the phone number and voice, explore wire insurance, explore secure wires, develop "secret pass words" to say in order to verify a caller, send a test wire of a small amount of money and verify receipt via secure means.
If a scam occurs, asap contact the banks and the parties and law enforcement, especially the FBI.
Let the associations know. Alert government statistical collection at www.ic3.gov for political pressure to build regarding overseas countries who refuse to go after scammers or extradite scammers.
Posted by: Byron King on 04/18/23 (This information is only accurate as of 04/18/23. You must contact SCR for updates and changes to this information after 04/18/23 as laws and regulations may change over time. SCR 803-772-5206 or email info at screaltors.org or email byron at screaltors.org)
This information is not legal advice. This information is intended only to provide general information and may not be relied upon as specific legal guidance. Legal counsel should always be consulted before acting in reliance on this information.