The person on the other end of a phone call can sometimes pretend to be someone they are not.
In July, a Ferrari executive received many messages on WhatsApp that seemed to be from the CEO, Benedetto Vigna. However, the executive did not recognize the number and was unsure if it was really Vigna.
Despite the messages claiming to be Vigna, the executive felt something was not right during the call. He asked a question only Vigna would know the answer to, and when the caller could not respond, the call ended. This prevented a major fraud.
Scammers have been using voice AI tools to clone people’s voices and deceive victims into thinking they are speaking with someone else.
In these situations, scammers try to pressure and rush you into making quick decisions during a stressful call.
Remember, the police will not call you about an arrest warrant or demand payment over the phone without sending a notice first. Similarly, healthcare providers and other organizations will not demand immediate payment over the phone without sending prior notifications.
If someone on the phone asks for personal information or tries to rush you, be cautious. Trust your instincts and do not hesitate to verify the caller’s identity through official channels.
Some scams involve advanced techniques such as using AI to fake phone numbers and voices. Stay vigilant and consider having a secret phrase to confirm identities in sensitive situations.
If you receive a suspicious call, verify the caller’s identity through official sources like your bank’s website or app before providing any information. Be cautious of scammers who manipulate search engine results to display false numbers.
Take control of the situation like the Ferrari executive did. Don’t hesitate to take a moment to think before responding to unexpected calls. Sometimes, it’s best to let calls go to voicemail for your safety.
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