Can AI protect us from scam

On September 8, 2023, I had a conversation with Bard about the dangers from scamming and lying.

Bob
Scamming and lying are part of our culture already, and AI makes it worse. But that is a two-edged sword. We have AI to tell us how to protect ourselves, but how about an AI app that screen incoming for AI

Bard
Yes, you are right. Scamming and lying are unfortunately part of our culture, and AI makes it even easier to do. However, AI can also be used to protect us from scams.
There are already a number of AI apps that can help to screen incoming calls for scams. These apps use machine learning to identify patterns that are common in scam calls, such as the use of certain words or phrases, or the caller's location. If an app suspects that a call is a scam, it will either block the call or alert the user.

Here are some examples of AI apps that can screen incoming calls for scams:
Hiya: 
Hiya is an app that uses machine learning to identify and block spam and scam calls. It also provides information about the caller, such as their location and whether they have been reported as a scam caller.
Truecaller: 
Truecaller is another app that can identify and block spam and scam calls. It also allows users to see who is calling them, even if the number is not in their contacts.
RoboKiller
RoboKiller is an app that uses AI to answer and block spam and scam calls. It also allows users to create custom responses to spam calls.
These are just a few examples of the many AI apps that are available to help us protect ourselves from scams. As AI technology continues to develop, it is likely that we will see even more sophisticated and effective AI apps that can help us to stay safe from scammers.

Bob
What about email?

Some of the AI apps that can screen incoming calls for scams can also detect AI in emails. These apps use machine learning to identify patterns that are common in scam emails, such as the use of certain words or phrases, or the sender's email address. If an app suspects that an email is a scam, it will either block the email or alert the user.
Here are some examples of AI apps that can detect AI in emails:
ScamAdviser: 
ScamAdviser is an app that uses machine learning to identify and block spam and scam emails. It also provides information about the sender, such as their location and whether they have been reported as a scam sender.

Cirrus Insight: 
Cirrus Insight is another app that can identify and block spam and scam emails. It also allows users to see who has sent them an email, even if the sender's email address is not in their contacts.

MailGuard: 
MailGuard is an AI-powered email security solution that can protect businesses from spam, phishing, and other email-based threats. It uses machine learning to identify and block suspicious emails, and it also provides users with information about the sender and the content of the email.

These are just a few examples of the many AI apps that are available to help us protect ourselves from scams. As AI technology continues to develop, it is likely that we will see even more sophisticated and effective AI apps that can help us to stay safe from scammers.

It is important to note that no AI app is perfect, and they can sometimes (misidentify) legitimate emails as scams. It is always a good idea to use your own judgment when evaluating emails, and to be wary of any emails that seem suspicious.

 

 

Update 12/25/2023

The rise of AI-powered scams demands innovative solutions. And yes, there are exciting developments in AI detection tech beyond just phone calls! Several promising apps are targeting AI-driven scams across various communication channels:

Email and Messaging:

  • Vade Retro: Identifies deepfakes in video messages and detects AI-forged writing styles in emails, flagging potential impersonations.
  • Ethyca: Analyzes email content and sender behavior to assess the likelihood of AI manipulation, helping businesses and individuals avoid sophisticated phishing attacks.
  • Red Canary: Focuses on enterprise security, employing AI to uncover anomalies in user interactions and communication patterns, potentially revealing AI-powered social engineering attempts.

Phone Calls:

  • Hiya: Besides its existing call screening, Hiya now uses AI to analyze voice patterns and conversational flow, detecting the robotic cadence often employed by scam bots.
  • YouMail: Transcribes voicemail messages and analyzes the text using AI to identify suspicious language or keywords frequently used in automated scam calls.

General Threat Detection:

  • Deepfake Lab: Provides open-source tools for detecting and analyzing deepfakes, empowering users to discern manipulated media content.
  • Sensity: Focuses on large-scale threat detection, utilizing AI to analyze vast amounts of online data and communication to identify emerging scam tactics and flag suspicious activity.

While these tools are promising, remember, no AI is perfect. False positives can still occur. Critical thinking and vigilance remain crucial when interacting with any kind of communication. By utilizing a combination of AI tech and our own skepticism, we can better navigate the increasingly complex landscape of online scams.

Additional Thoughts:

  • Open communication and education are crucial. Raising awareness about AI-powered scams empowers individuals and businesses to stay alert and adapt their behavior to avoid falling victim.
  • Collaboration between tech companies, government agencies, and security researchers is essential to develop effective countermeasures and stay ahead of evolving scam tactics.

The fight against AI-powered scams requires a multi-pronged approach. By harnessing the power of AI for detection alongside responsible development and user education, we can build a safer future where both innovation and trust can thrive.

Bob I asked Gemini for an update
4/19/2024

Yes, there have been some notable developments in AI tools for protecting users from scams since your December conversation. Here's a breakdown of the highlights and new information:

Advancements in AI-Powered Scam Detection:

  • Deepfake Analysis: Tools like Deepfake Lab are leading the way in detecting and exposing manipulated media created using AI. This is crucial because deepfakes are often used in impersonation scams.
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP) Enhancements: Apps like Vade Retro and Ethyca now analyze writing style, conversational nuances, and behavioral patterns to identify AI-generated content in emails and messages. This helps combat phishing and social engineering attacks.
  • Voice Analysis: Hiya and other providers now use AI to analyze subtle speech patterns and robotic inflections, aiding in the detection of AI-powered phone scams.
  • Cross-Platform Threat Monitoring: Platforms like Sensity offer comprehensive threat monitoring, analyzing massive swathes of online data to uncover new scam trends as they emerge.

Important Reminders:

  • The Need for Vigilance: While AI offers great protection, it's crucial to stay skeptical. No system is perfect, so always exercise your own judgment when it comes to online interactions.
  • AI for Good and Bad: Just as AI powers scam detection, it's also used by scammers to craft more convincing attacks. It's a constant battle.

Recent News and Additional Resources

Since December 2023, here are some relevant updates:

  • Increased Deepfake Concerns: Deepfakes continue to be a major concern, especially with recent technological advancements making them even harder to detect.
  • Government crackdowns: Agencies worldwide are starting to take stronger regulatory actions against scam operations, often fueled by AI.
  • Focus on Education: Public awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of AI-powered scams and how to identify them are gaining traction.

Where to find more information

  • Technology news sites: TechCrunch, The Verge, Wired, etc.
  • Cybersecurity blogs and companies: Trend Micro, Norton (See their "Genie" app), Bitdefender (see their "Scamio" tool)
  • Government cybersecurity resources: CISA (https://www.cisa.gov/), FTC (https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/)

Let me know if you'd like a deeper dive into a specific area, or want updates focused on a particular type of scam (phishing, voice scams, etc.)