Denver law enforcement is warning residents about a new wave of AI-driven scams that are becoming harder to detect. On Thursday, the Denver Police Department and Denver City Attorney’s Office partnered with Chase Bank to host a workshop to educate the public on protecting themselves from these sophisticated scams.
According to Sgt. Stephen Kimberly, the Denver Police Department receives between five and ten scam-related cases every day. Scammers are using AI technology to manipulate emotions and create a sense of urgency, pressuring victims into making rash decisions. “The biggest red flag is scammers are going to trigger the emotional part of our brain,” said Lynn Lowe, senior resource navigator with the Denver City Attorney’s Office.
AI lets criminals impersonate loved ones by mimicking their voices and spoofing phone numbers. I can spoof your daughter or son’s phone number, take their voice with deepfake technology, and say, ‘I’m in trouble. I need help,'” Lowe explained.
Scammers also use AI-generated images and videos to create realistic but fake scenarios, making victims believe someone they know is in danger.
Denver police advise on AI scams
Douglas Pratt, a 72-year-old U.S. Navy veteran, shared that he has seen friends lose significant amounts of money to scams.
“I have a couple of them that have lost major amounts of money by falling for scams,” Pratt said. To keep yourself safe from scams, Sgt. Kimberley offered the following tips:
– Block unwanted calls or text messages, and don’t give personal or financial information over the phone or computer unless you initiate communication with a trusted entity.
– Don’t give in to pressure to act immediately.
– Be cautious with payments, as scammers prefer cryptocurrency, gift cards, or peer-to-peer payment services.
– Don’t rely on caller ID, as scammers use technology to mask or spoof their telephone numbers.
– Remember that law enforcement will never contact you and demand money.
For more information on how to protect yourself from falling victim to a scam, visit the official resources provided by the Denver Police Department and other trusted entities. Stay informed and protect yourself from these increasingly sophisticated AI-driven scams.
Image Credits: Photo by Acton Crawford on Unsplash
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