Tech companies are booming once again thanks to increased enthusiasm surrounding AI, but this technology is also creating new issues for innocent seniors in New Jersey. Artificial intelligence is now so sophisticated that scam artists can mimic the voices of average people, fooling family members into handing over their life savings. Seniors and their family members must be aware of this new threat, which is already affecting numerous New Jersey residents.
Voice Cloning Scam Artist Arrested in New Jersey
On June 24, 2023, it was reported that a scam artist had been arrested in New Jersey after carrying out a fraud that duped victims out of thousands of dollars. The defendant was apparently running his scam out of New Jersey, and he relied upon voice cloning technology to fool elderly victims in Texas. In one case, he convinced an elderly woman that her son had been arrested for a DUI and needed cash to post bail. In reality, the voice of the public defender was completely AI-generated. Her son had not been arrested, and she was sending cash to a criminal.
The Problem is Becoming Widespread
This same type of scam has become incredibly common throughout North America. Recently, a 75-year-old woman from Canada was targeted by a similar scam. She believed that she was talking to her son when he told her that he was in jail after rear-ending a pregnant woman. The voice was so accurate that the elderly woman was completely convinced she was talking to her son. She ended up sending over $7,000 before she finally realized she was being scammed. In truth, this woman escaped with relatively light consequences; others have handed over more than $40,000.
How Voice Cloning Works
Authorities say that scam artists need about 30 seconds of audio in order to “learn” someone’s voice. From there, the AI can perfectly mimic the voice. These scam artists are not tech wizards, either. Online services offer voice cloning technology for a subscription fee that is often a few dollars per month.
How Can I Protect My Senior?
One of the best ways to protect your senior against this threat is to educate them. Stress that public officials do not ask for cash in this manner and that they should always call their relatives directly to confirm whether these “emergencies” are real. You might also consider putting your senior’s cash in a trust, which minimizes access for scam artists.
Where Can I Find an Elder Law Attorney in New Jersey?
If you have been searching for a qualified elder law attorney in New Jersey, look no further than Giro, LLP, Attorneys at Law. Over the years, we have helped numerous seniors and their family members. We know that elders face abuse from a wide range of sources, and we are ready to help protect your life savings and well-being. Book a consultation today to learn more about financial elder abuse and put an action plan in place to combat this growing threat.