Deepfake voice scams rise; Americans report frequent spam calls

As reported by Tech Radar, a significant increase in deepfake voice fraud is raising alarms as consumers increasingly report encountering suspicious calls that mimic familiar voices. New research by Hiya indicates these incidents are becoming more common, impacting a substantial portion of the population.

A Hiya survey reveals that one in four Americans received a deepfake voice call in the past twelve months, with an additional 24% unsure if they could distinguish AI-generated voices from real ones. These impersonation attempts often target relatives or trusted contacts, leading to financial fraud and identity theft. Americans report an average of 9.9 unwanted calls weekly, with seniors being particularly vulnerable, losing an average of $1,298. The volume of these scams has been rising, and nearly two-thirds of respondents believe scammers are winning the fight against telecom carriers.

The growing prevalence of AI-driven scams is prompting calls for stricter government regulations and increased responsibility from telecom operators. A majority of users are advocating for mandatory government rules requiring companies to address AI-driven scams and some believe carriers should share financial liability for scam losses. This perception of inadequate protection may also impact customer loyalty, with many users considering switching providers if they feel their current carrier cannot safeguard them.

Source: Tech Radar