Attorney General Schwalb Issues Consumer Alert to Protect District Residents from Deepfake Telemarketing Scams

Scammers Use AI-Generated Voices and Video to Trick Victims into Believing They Are Helping a Friend or Relative


WASHINGTON, DC - Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today issued the below Consumer Alert to District residents, warning of sophisticated telemarketing scams that target victims with fake audio or video recordings of people they know, often asking for money to help them get out of an emergency situation.

“We are witnessing a disturbing upward trend of scammers preying on District residents, particularly seniors, using artificial intelligence to steal their money, sensitive information and data,” said Attorney General Schwalb.  “I urge everyone to be cautious when receiving unexpected calls or messages, especially those that relay an unusual sense of urgency or request personal information. And if anyone believes they’ve been the victim of one of these deepfake telemarketing scams, they should immediately report it to OAG’s Consumer Protection team.”

CONSUMER ALERT: PROTECT YOURSELF FROM DEEPFAKE TELEMARKETING SCAMS

Your phone might be lying to you! Is an incoming caller asking for your personal financial information, claiming that a loved one needs immediate bail money, informing you that your identity is being used in an international money laundering operation, claiming that you owe back taxes or unpaid tolls, or promising a refund for an unauthorized purchase? Even if you think you recognize the voice, the video, or the phone number—chances are good that a scammer is attempting to separate you from your money.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is issuing a warning to all consumers, especially seniors, about the rising threat of deepfake telemarketing scams. These sophisticated scams use newly developing technologies to create fake audio and video messages that realistically mimic the voices and appearances of trusted individuals or organizations. OAG urges consumers to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect themselves from these deceptive practices.

What Are Deepfake Telemarketing Scams?

Deepfake scams use artificial intelligence to create realistic but fabricated audio and video. Scammers are increasingly using this technology to impersonate family members, friends, legitimate businesses, or government officials in order to gain the trust—and access the wallets—of their targets. These scams can be particularly convincing and may lead to significant financial loss or personal information theft.

How to Recognize Deepfake Telemarketing Scams:

  1. Unexpected Calls or Messages: Be extremely cautious of unsolicited calls or messages, even if they appear to be from someone you know or a trusted organization. Caller ID can be easily spoofed and is no longer a reliable way to identify incoming calls or texts. 
  2. Urgent Requests: Scammers attempt to create a false sense of urgency to prompt fast action. Be very wary of callers insisting on immediate action.
  3. Unusual Requests: Be skeptical of requests for wire transfers, gift card purchases, cash withdrawals, payment using cryptocurrency, or other requests that seem out of character for the person or organization contacting you.
  4. Inconsistent Communication: Deepfake messages may have minor inconsistencies in tone, language, or context. If something feels off, trust your instincts and attempt to verify the call before taking any action.

Steps to Protect Yourself:

  1. Do Not Share Personal Information: Never provide personal, financial, or other sensitive information to an incoming caller.
  2. Hang Up and Call Back: If you receive a call requesting money or information, hang up and call the person or organization back using a publicly available number that you know is legitimate.
  3. Tell People: Anyone requesting or demanding that you keep a financial transaction secret from your friends and family is a scammer. Always talk with someone that you trust before sending money. 
  4. Restrict Access to Your Computer: Never allow incoming or unverified callers remote access to your computer or any of your electronic devices.
  5. Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the latest scam tactics and share this information with friends and family, especially elderly relatives who may be more vulnerable. Scam techniques are always changing, and vigilance is your best defense!

Reporting Scams:

If you believe you have been targeted by a deepfake telemarketing scam, report it immediately to the OAG’s Consumer Protection Division by filing a complaint online or by calling (202) 442-9828. To report financial exploitation of an elder or vulnerable adult, you can contact OAG’s Elder Justice Hotline at ElderJustice@dc.gov or (202) 727-3807.