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Scammers can 'transform' you into anyone: voice, image, and a few euros are enough
๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡น Lithuania /Technology

Scammers can 'transform' you into anyone: voice, image, and a few euros are enough

From Delfi · (6m ago) Lithuanian Critical tone

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Deepfake technology, using AI to create fake photos, videos, or audio, is becoming easily accessible to the public.
  • Creating convincing deepfakes, especially voice clones, can be very cheap, costing as little as 1-2 euro cents per minute.
  • Experts warn that distinguishing deepfakes from reality is increasingly difficult, urging caution with unverified content and financial transactions.

The digital landscape is rapidly evolving, and with it, the sophistication of criminal tactics. Deepfake technology, once the domain of high-tech labs, is now readily available, posing a significant threat to individuals and institutions alike. As highlighted by expert V. Ruzgas, the low cost and ease of generating fake audio and video content mean that anyone with basic digital skills can create convincing impersonations. This democratization of deception is particularly alarming when considering its application in cybercrime. The ability to mimic voices, or even create realistic video of public figures endorsing fraudulent schemes, represents a new frontier in online fraud. Lithuanian consumers and businesses must be acutely aware of this shift. The traditional methods of online scams are being replaced by AI-powered impersonations that are increasingly difficult to detect. Ruzgas's advice to exercise extreme caution, especially during financial transactions following calls with unfamiliar individuals, is paramount. The line between genuine communication and sophisticated manipulation is blurring, making vigilance a critical defense mechanism in this new era of digital threats. This technology challenges our very perception of reality online, demanding a heightened sense of skepticism and a robust approach to verifying information and identities.

New tools like 'Google Veo' or 'OpenAI Sora' allow such content to be generated quickly and easily.

โ€” V. RuzgasExpert V. Ruzgas explaining the accessibility of deepfake creation tools.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.