China. A new scam method. He stole millions using artificial intelligence

Deepfake technology is used to manipulate images and sound, thus creating the impression of authentic material. The term “” is a combination of the words “deep learning” (deep machine learning whose algorithms are used by this technology) and “fake”. Using deepfakes, you can create a video in which one person’s face is superimposed on the body or movements of another. Thus, the generated character makes movements and utters words that he never actually said or did.

A new scam method. He stole millions using artificial intelligence

In late April, the legal representative of a tech company in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, made a video call with what he thought was an acquaintance. His friend asked him for financial help, while promising to return the borrowed money. The man without a moment’s hesitation transferred 4.3 million yuan (equivalent to about PLN 2.5 million) to a friend’s account. He only learned that he had been the victim of a scam during a telephone conversation with a real friend, who denied that he had asked him for any money before.

The victim of the scam immediately notified Fuzhou, who also involved the police in Baotou, the city where the fake friend’s bank account was registered. The officers managed to block the transfer for 3.37 million yuan. The remaining part, which was handed over to the fraudster, the police are still trying to recover.

“I’ve lost my vigilance.” The police appealed for caution

– He spoke to me via video communicator. I then confirmed his face and voice in the video. That’s why I lost my vigilance – informed the deceived man in a conversation quoted by the service. Baotou police urged people to be careful about sharing personal information such as facial photos and fingerprints. Officers also pointed out that identifying and banking details should not be revealed too easily. They instructed the public to check the other person’s identity through various communication channels before transferring any cash, and to report a suspected attempt as soon as possible if in doubt.

More and more scams using artificial intelligence. China tightened the rules

A fraud in northern China has rekindled the debate about the potential of artificial intelligence techniques to commit crimes. As reported by the service, on the Chinese microblogging site Weibo, the hashtag “#AI fraud will explode across the country” has gained more than 120 million views. Due to the growing scale of threats resulting from the misuse of artificial intelligence, in January China introduced regulations tightening control over technologies and applications that have the ability to manipulate voice and image. One of the provisions says that it is forbidden to use content generated by artificial intelligence to spread fake news. In addition, users must consent if their image is to be used in any AI-enabled activity. In turn, those who provide such technology are required to clearly mark photos, videos or text that have been generated or modified by the device, and could be interpreted by someone as real.