AI-fueled fraud worries intensify
In an increasingly digital world, the threat of AI-generated scams and deepfakes is becoming a growing concern. Experts warn that these manipulative tactics are evolving, exploiting emotional responses to deceive individuals and businesses.
At a recent forum titled "Verify Talk: #ThisFeedNoFake," hosted by Thai PBS, the surge in digital deception in an AI-driven world was addressed. The speakers at the event emphasized the importance of media literacy and open family dialogue in countering AI threats.
Criminologist Trin Poraksa warned that AI-generated scams manipulate emotional responses, while Kanokporn Prasitphon, director of Thai PBS Digital Media, identified AI-generated deepfakes as a silent threat to information credibility. Fake documents are becoming so convincing that even experts struggle to verify them, as warned by Kanokporn Prasitphon. Deepfakes are becoming harder to detect, according to the same source.
Detecting and combating these AI-generated deepfakes and scams involves a combination of advanced tools and strategic approaches. One such strategy is layered detection, which combines AI tools with human judgment. This approach involves using AI to identify potential deepfakes and then having humans verify the results to ensure accuracy.
Continuous monitoring and verification is another crucial strategy. Implementing multi-step identity verification and continuous vetting can help prevent deepfake-related fraud, particularly in remote hiring processes.
Behavioral detection is another strategy that goes beyond signature-based detection. Behavioral platforms can identify unusual patterns even when code or media appear legitimate.
Education and awareness are also essential in the fight against AI-driven scams. Training finance teams to verify requests through secondary channels and educating the public about the risks of deepfakes and how to spot them is vital.
Several tools are currently being used to combat these threats. Sightengine, for instance, utilizes AI to detect fake images and deepfakes, helping block fake content before it spreads. Decopy AI is another trusted tool known for its high accuracy in detecting fake images and deepfakes.
Companies like authID and Prove are integrating deepfake defense tools into their platforms, providing robust identity verification solutions. Innovation in deepfake detection is being encouraged through global competitions like FinVolution's AI competition, which aims to advance AI safety and encourage open innovation.
Pol Col Neti Wongkulab, deputy commander of the CCIB, warned that call-centre scams now operate like businesses. Scammers often impersonate delivery workers or family members, according to data from the Whoscall verification service. If one receives calls demanding payment or threats, Pol Col Neti Wongkulab advises to hang up immediately and report the call.
Nattawut Photisaro, a media literacy advocate, urges the public to verify content before believing or sharing it. He stresses the importance of real-time fact-checking tools in making informed decisions. Subtle signs of deepfakes may include robotic voices or unnatural blinking, as noted by Kanokporn Prasitphon.
While specific tools tailored exclusively for Thailand are not highlighted in the current data, the strategies mentioned can be applied universally. Adopting global best practices in education and awareness can enhance resilience against AI-driven scams in the region. The focus on deepfake detection through global competitions like FinVolution's and the integration of deepfake defense tools into identity verification platforms (as seen with authID and Prove) can benefit Thailand as well.
In the context of addressing AI-related threats in a digital world, experts suggest that education and self-development are essential strategies. Training individuals, especially finance teams, about the risks of deepfakes and how to spot them can help prevent falling victim to such scams (Education and awareness). Moreover, understanding the importance of media literacy and open dialogue within families to counter AI threats is emphasized (Education-and-self-development).
