Protect yourself from the growing threat of AI-powered scams, which can deceive even the most cautious individuals. Learn expert advice on how to stay ahead of these scams and keep your finances safe.
Staying Ahead of AI Scams: Expert Advice for a Safer Experience
If you missed our recent live, subscriber-only Q&A about money and AI scams with WIRED’s advice columnist Reece Rogers, you can watch the replay here.
Understanding the Threat of AI-Powered Scams
Howdy subscribers! Thank you to all the readers of WIRED’s AI Unlocked newsletter who tuned in for our most recent conversation about money and artificial intelligence scams. I had a blast interacting with readers and answering more questions live.
If you missed the broadcast, a full recording is available here for you to watch anytime you’d like, and the previous two livestreams from the AI Unlocked series are available too. Subscribers can watch the first one here and the second one here.
Recognizing the Signs of an AI Scam
Katie Drummond, WIRED’s global editorial director, kicked off our discussion this time, telling us how her father was recently approached by a scam caller who tried to trick him with a voice that sounded just like hers. Luckily no money was lost during that interaction, but it’s a solid reminder that AI-powered scams are not some future concern, but an issue worth considering right now.
Protecting Yourself from Scammers
To safeguard yourself and your loved ones, you may want to set up a secret passcode that you can use to authenticate each other on calls, in case of emergencies. Andrew Couts, WIRED’s senior editor focused on security and investigations, shared his insights into different approaches used by scammers, including how different groups are now using AI-powered tools to deepfake live videos and trick people out of money.
Staying Vigilant Against Social Engineering
Couts reminded viewers to pay attention to social engineering methods often used by scammers, like creating a sense of urgency or encouraging you not to tell anyone about it. You can learn more specifically about AI scam calls here.
Being Cautious with AI Financial Advisers
During the live event, I spoke about my recent investigation into AI financial advisers and how it reminded me to stay skeptical of startups claiming to help out with money issues. Rather than using my banking data to help me financially, the AI advisers seemed focused on getting me to take out high-fee cash advances or high-interest personal loans.
Reaching Out for Help
If you want to reach me and ask additional, thoughtful questions about using generative AI and chatbot tools in your daily life, my inbox remains open: [email protected]. I always enjoy hearing from WIRED subscribers, so no question is too basic or too niche to ask. Our next live event is scheduled for February, so keep an eye out in your inbox for more details soon.
