At NITA we are deeply concerned about the rise of AI used for financial fraud. The recent FBI alert highlighting how criminals are leveraging generative AI to enhance their fraudulent activities is a stark reminder of the evolving landscape of deception. We understand the implications this has for everyone, especially those in fields like real estate, and we want to share what we know and how you can protect yourself.
Generative AI, while a powerful tool, can be easily misused. It allows bad actors to create convincing fake text, images, audio (think vocal cloning), and videos. This makes it incredibly difficult to discern what’s real and what’s fabricated, significantly increasing the potential for fraud. Imagine someone using AI to clone your voice and calling your family requesting money. Or creating a fake property listing with AI-generated images. The possibilities are alarming.
At NITA, we’re committed to staying ahead of these threats. We understand that the very nature of AI-generated content makes it hard to detect. That’s why we encourage everyone to be vigilant and adopt a skeptical mindset. The FBI has offered some excellent advice, and out team at NITA echo their recommendations:
- Establish a family secret word: This simple step can be a powerful tool in verifying someone’s identity.
- Be a critical observer: Look for subtle imperfections in images and videos. Distorted features, unrealistic lighting, or inconsistent details can be red flags.
- Listen carefully: Pay attention to the tone of voice and word choice. Something that sounds “off” could be a sign of vocal cloning.
- Protect your online presence: Limit the amount of personal information, images, and voice recordings available online. This makes it harder for criminals to gather the raw material they need for AI-generated fraud.
- Verify independently: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the organization directly using a known, trusted number. Don’t rely on contact information provided by the caller.
- Never share sensitive information or send money to people you don’t know: This is a golden rule of online safety, and it’s even more important in the age of AI-generated fraud.
We at NITA believe that by working together and staying informed, we can protect ourselves and our community from the increasing threat of AI-driven financial fraud. If you have any questions or concerns about how AI used for financial fraud or how it might impact your real estate transactions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help.
