The news: A group of bipartisan U.S. senators is urging the Biden administration to address the rising threat of AI-driven voice scams targeting elderly Americans. The AI technology, which is used to replicate people's voices, is being used to deceive people into thinking they are talking to a relative or friend, convincing the victim to send over money. Details: The lawmakers, led by Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., are asking FTC Chair Lina Khan for updates on the AI-based scams along with any steps it's taking to protect people. The letter, signed by every member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, emphasizes the need to address this emerging threat as AI voice-clone technology becomes easier to use and widely available. What the numbers say: Imposter scams in the U.S. caused $2.6B in losses last year, with numerous reports of people deceived by scammers posing as friends or family, according to McAfee. The agency revealed that globally, 25% of surveyed adults have some experience with an AI voice scam, with 1 in 10 individuals saying they were personally targeted. Broken down by country, India had the highest prevalence, followed by the U.S.
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