FORT SMITH -- The Morgan Nick Foundation has issued a warning to River Valley residents about a surge in artificial intelligence (AI) generated scams, particularly during the holiday season.
AI voice-clone scams are increasingly targeting young children, according to the FBI. These scams utilize sophisticated AI tools to create highly convincing impersonations, making them more dangerous than traditional scams.
Genevie Strickland, assistant director of the Morgan Nick Foundation, highlighted the importance of safeguarding children from these scams, stating, "Keeping kids safe is what we are about, and a big part of kids' safety right now is protecting them from scams."
The FBI has warned that scammers are employing AI-powered voice and video cloning to impersonate trusted individuals, such as family members or colleagues. This technology allows criminals to deceive victims into sharing sensitive information or authorizing fraudulent transactions.
To combat these threats, the FBI advises individuals and businesses to remain vigilant about unexpected requests for money or personal information. Implementing multifactor authentication and educating employees about phishing risks are essential steps in enhancing security.