The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in scams was explored by the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging on November 16, 2023. AI is a growing component in scams including Grandparent Scams (Family Emergency Scams) with AI audio of a loved one, Romance Scams with AI generated fake profiles, and AI-powered phishing attacks using AI powered algorithms, and personalized phishing emails.
The committee also explored, with a panel of witnesses, the need for regulation of AI scams related to cryptocurrency, consumer protections, and the need for legislation to create tools and resources that can be used by law enforcement to hold scammers accountable for their actions.
The detrimental effects of scams on victims, even those who may not have lost money, were shown in clips from constituents and the testimony of one witness as he told the story of how he almost was a victim of a Family Emergency Scam.
At one point, the committee discussed the fact that there are holes in the law that prevent scammers from being held accountable. The committee and panelists discussed alternative paths that Congress could take to craft new legislation.
The committee tries to educate the public about scams and how to avoid them. It publishes a “Fraud Book” that lists the top scams and what to look for so that you won’t become victimized. It also offers a Fraud Hotline, (800) 303-9470, that provides guidance on where to report fraud and scams. The hotline operates Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm Eastern Time.
Comment: The work of this committee is important to curb the mounting scourge of scams and fraud. Fraud is an old crime, but the use of modern technology has catapulted it into a growing crime that is rivaling other crimes in financial losses to its victims. Congress is behind in developing remedies for victims and society in controlling modern scams and fraud. Any effort to control scams and fraud should be welcomed.
The committee is a start. Its focus is on scams as they affect older Americans. Scammers do not limit their targets to the old, but also victimize the young. Any legislation that comes out of Congress needs to protect all victims, young and old.
C-SPAN:
Note: This video of the Senate Special Aging Hearing on
Artificial Intelligence and Scams hearing held on November 16, 2023, is about
an hour and thirty-five minutes (short when it comes to some congressional
hearings) and is well worth viewing for the insights that the panelists provide.
https://www.c-span.org/video/?531903-1/senate-special-aging-hearing-artificial-intelligence-scams
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging:
https://www.aging.senate.gov/scam-resources
https://www.aging.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/fraud_book_2023__english.pdf
https://www.aging.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/fraud_brochure__english.pdf
Scamicide.com:
AARP The Perfect Scam:
https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2023/criminals-using-ai-voice-cloning.html
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