Voice-Clone Scams Surge in Arizona: AG Mayes Issues Warning

Attorney General Kris Mayes recently alerted Arizonans to a novel yet potentially devastating kind of fraud. Scammers, Mayes warns, are employing advanced technologies to mimic the voices of familiar individuals, thereby exploiting unsuspecting victims.

Highlighting the rapid progression of this technology, Mayes expressed concern about the escalating misuse of these innovations by fraudsters. Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) alongside spoofing equipment, scammers are now capable of making it seem as though a call is coming from someone you trust, perhaps even implying they are in distress and in immediate need of financial aid.

"Scammers are now spoofing phone numbers, giving the illusion that calls are being made by people you know," Mayes noted. "Combined with the ability to imitate your voice, the results can be truly damaging."

Mayes shared that their team is exploring avenues to hold AI developers and platforms accountable for any illicit activities conducted using their technology. While this is relatively uncharted territory, she firmly believes that AI companies should ensure their technology doesn't aid in defrauding Arizonans.

For the protection of the public, the Attorney General has provided several tips to guard against falling prey to voice-clone AI scams:

• Be skeptical of emergency calls requesting immediate transfer of money.
• Don't trust the voice or message entirely, as AI can now mimic voices.
• Hang up and contact your loved one directly through a trusted number to confirm the call or message.
• Establish a unique word or phrase known only to your loved ones to verify their identity.
• Be cautious of high-pressure scare tactics.
• Be suspicious of payment requests through gift cards or peer-to-peer payment apps.

Victims of fraud are encouraged to file a complaint at www.azag.gov/consumer. The Attorney General's Office can be reached at (602) 542-5763 in Phoenix, (520) 628-6648 in Tucson, or (800) 352-8431 outside Phoenix/Tucson metro areas for those needing a complaint form.

This article is based on the original news story written and published by our news partner AZ Family.