Norfolk resident defrauded of $9.1k by scammer possibly using AI technology
As artificial intelligence technology advances, cybersecurity experts warn it’s getting easier to make convincing ads for online scams as eerily realistic-looking deepfake videos of news anchors and celebrities rapidly spread online. (Pexels)
Police say fraudsters may now be using AI technology to mimic loved ones after a Norfolk County resident lost $9,150 after being deceived by an emergency scam.
At around 6:45 p.m. Monday, Norfolk County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a fraud at an address in Norfolk County.
Police say a victim received a phone call from someone posing as a family member claiming to be in custody following a collision and urgently needed $9,150 in bail money.
The victim was instructed to go to an address in Norfolk County to hand over the money to a person claiming to be a bail bondmen.
After the transaction, the victim contacted their family member who confirmed they had not been involved in a collision, police say.
The victim, realizing they had been scammed, contacted police.
“In Canada, bail bondsmen do not exist. Police believe the fraudster may have exploited artificial intelligence (AI) voice-changing technology to deceive the victim. Members of the public are urged to verify the identity of any caller requesting money, especially in urgent or unusual circumstances,” police said in a media release.
Police are urging residents to remain vigilant and report similar incidents to police immediately.
If you experience a fraudulent call, text, or email, or if you've fallen victim to fraud, report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/.
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