Millions Could Fall Victim to AI Voice-Cloning Scams, Alarming Findings from UK Bank

Wednesday, 18 September 2024, 04:24

AI voice-cloning scams could endanger millions, warns UK bank Starling. Fraudsters can replicate voices in mere seconds, enabling manipulative calls.
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Millions Could Fall Victim to AI Voice-Cloning Scams, Alarming Findings from UK Bank

AI Voice-Cloning Scams: A Growing Threat

According to a recent warning from Starling Bank, an alarming number of individuals could potentially fall victim to sophisticated AI voice-cloning scams. Fraudsters are now capable of imitating a person's voice using less than three seconds of audio, easily sourced from public videos.

Understanding the Risks

  • These scams target a person’s friends and family through realistic phone calls.
  • Starling Bank's survey indicated that over a quarter of respondents had encountered such scams in the last year.
  • A staggering 46% were unaware of their existence, highlighting a critical knowledge gap.

Preventive Measures

Lisa Grahame, Chief Information Security Officer at Starling Bank, emphasizes the necessity of establishing a “safe phrase” with loved ones to confirm identity, thus reducing scam susceptibility. Furthermore, it’s crucial to avoid sharing such sensitive information via text messaging.

Concern Over AI Developments

As AI voice synthesis technology advances, the potential for misuse escalates. Earlier this year, OpenAI introduced its voice replication tool but refrained from public access due to misuse fears. This poses a significant challenge in protecting financial assets and personal information.


This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.


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