Imagine answering your phone and hearing a family member’s voice. They tell you they’ve been arrested, and they need you to send money immediately for them to be released from jail. You feel completely shocked, and you might immediately feel like you need to send them as much as they need.
But the voice that you’re hearing is actually completely fake! Cybercriminals find videos of your friends or family on social media, and then use AI to make a replica of their voice. The scammers then use the cloned voice to call you. They hope that if you hear a familiar voice, you will not stop to verify what’s actually happening. They usually ask you to send money using methods that are difficult to track, such as wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Anything you send them is nearly impossible to recover!
Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to AI voice cloning scams:
- Set up a secret code word with close family members. Choose something that can’t be found online and use it to verify each other’s identity in emergencies.
- If someone you know calls you and claims to need money immediately, hang up and call them back directly using a known phone number to verify their story.
- Be mindful of receiving unusual instructions, such as being asked to send a large amount of money in an unusual way. If someone is in jail, it’s highly unlikely that they would ask for money to be sent using cryptocurrency!
Source: Alphastar Capital Management Security Team
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Megan Jones joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as marketing director. Megan and her husband live in Fredericksburg, VA with their German Short Haired Pointer, Gus. Megan is a graduate of Longwood University and holds a degree in communications. Megan is the oldest of Dave Lopez’s three children and not only enjoys working alongside her father, but also with her cousin, Chase, who joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. Megan is also a fully licensed Life, Health, and Annuity agent. When not at work, Megan enjoys sitting on the back porch with family and friends enjoying food and music.
Amy Anderson joined the ILG Financial team in 2023 as the client relations coordinator. Her responsibilities include scheduling of appointments, annual check-up notifications, and annuity and required minimum distribution assistance. She is a graduate of Harding University with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Amy and her husband have two children and she enjoys reading, crocheting, music and spending time with her family.
Terri Center joined the ILG Financial team in 2019 as client services manager. She handles client records, application processing, and gathering information to provide a professional and friendly experience with all of our clients. Terri is a graduate of Oakland University. She is married and has two children. She enjoys hiking, family time, and puzzle challenging video games. She also likes to share her creativity in her canvas paintings and sewing projects.
Jessica Carson joined the ILG Financial team in 2018 as an agent. Jessica and her husband have four children, two dogs, 3 barn cats, 5 chickens, and three parakeets. She indeed loves her children and pets! When not at work, Jessica enjoys playing the piano and cello as well as traveling and spending time outside with her family, hiking, fishing, and boating.