Voice cloning scam uses AI to impersonate family on WhatsApp
Criminals are using AI voice cloning technology to impersonate family members in WhatsApp scams, obtaining voice samples from silent calls or social media videos, then requesting money or personal information. Mexico's cybersecurity institute Incibe issued a warning about the scam after receiving victim reports.
What happened
The Instituto Nacional de Ciberseguridad (Incibe) warned of a scam in which criminals use AI to clone voices of family members and contact victims via WhatsApp calls or voice messages.
Scammers obtain voice samples from silent phone calls to victims or from videos posted on social media, then use AI to generate convincing audio impersonating a relative. The cloned voice calls or sends a WhatsApp message requesting the victim contact a specific number or provide personal information.
Reported impact
Victims who recognize the voice of their relative follow the scammer's instructions. After contact is established, scammers request personal data, banking details, or money transfers under various pretexts.
Governance controls
Incibe recommended not sharing sensitive information, blocking suspicious numbers, verifying requests directly with family members before responding, and reporting fraud attempts to authorities.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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