AI voice cloning used to impersonate Cartagena mayor for fraud
The mayor of Cartagena reported that scammers have used AI voice cloning to impersonate him in fraud schemes targeting politicians and business leaders across Colombia. Colombian police and prosecutors are investigating the identity fraud scheme.
What happened
Dumek Turbay Paz, Mayor of Cartagena, reported being impersonated through artificial intelligence over several weeks. Scammers contacted congresspeople, ministers, mayors, councilors, businesspeople and citizens nationwide using fake WhatsApp numbers and replicating his voice via AI.
Senator Angélica Lozano of the Alianza Verde party publicly disclosed the scheme after receiving a call in which she spoke for several minutes with what she believed was Turbay. The criminals sought to solicit money, schedule fictitious meetings, or obtain contact information of other influential people.
Reported impact
The impersonation scheme targeted high-ranking officials and business leaders across Colombia. Victims were contacted by fraudsters posing as the mayor to request funds or arrange false meetings.
Governance controls
The Policía Metropolitana de Cartagena and Fiscalía General de la Nación became aware of the situation and were expected to identify those responsible in the coming days.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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