Cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes says scam farms are now paying real people with real money to help deceive victims using AI deepfakes.
The firm says scam compounds in Southeast Asia are forcing human trafficking victims to work long hours and lure victims as chat operators under the threat of violence.
According to Malwarebytes, chat operators juggle multiple targets, working to make every single victim feel wanted and loved in an effort to get them to invest in a purported lucrative investment opportunity. But before targets fall for the scam, they typically ask for a video call to prove that their love interest is real.
Malwarebytes says that’s when AI models appear. AI models are real people with strong communication skills who can make victims believe in the love story. Scam farms use deepfake technology to modify the face of an AI model and match a persona the victim believes is real.
“So when a victim asks for a video call, the scam bosses call in a specialist ‘AI model’ with strong interpersonal skills to charm the victim. Despite the name, they’re real people hired to appear on video calls. The AI deepfake software adjusts their looks to match the fictionalized person that the victim is hoping to see.”
According to Malwarebytes, scam farms are running ads to recruit AI models, and many are expressing interest in the role.
“Humanity Research Consultancy, an investigative research group that tracks trafficking supply chains, identified a pitch from a 24-year-old Uzbekistani calling herself Angel. She claimed to speak four languages and to have a year of experience as an AI model. She demanded $7,000 monthly for her services.”
The cybersecurity firm says people should always be cautious when receiving unsolicited communication online.
“Even if a profile looks well-established or a website appears legitimate, take time to dig a little deeper.”
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