#United States #AI Technology #Truecaller #Washington D.C. #Scammers

Scammers Exploit AI and Economic Anxiety to Target Hispanics in the U.S.

In recent times, a new breed of scammers has emerged, leveraging advanced artificial intelligence and the prevailing economic anxieties plaguing many to deceive vulnerable groups, particularly the Hispanic community in the United States. According to a report by Truecaller, a global leader in contact verification and unwanted communication blocking, these malicious entities are employing techniques that manipulate various emotional triggers to achieve their goals.

The Mechanisms of Deception

Scammers have adapted to rapidly changing circumstances, utilizing automated calls generated by AI, as well as manipulated text messages crafted to incite fear. This alarming trend is particularly pronounced among Hispanic communities, which face significant challenges in safeguarding against unwanted calls.

Clayton LiaBraaten, a senior advisor at Truecaller, highlighted the manipulative tactics used by scammers, stating, “They exploit fear. They might tell you that your 401(k) retirement account is at risk or threaten deportation, pushing you to act impulsively. These emotional scams, now enhanced by AI, are harder to detect.”

The data is staggering: last year, a reported 68.4 million Americans fell victim to phone scams, leading to losses exceeding $25 billion. On average, each victim incurred a loss of around $363. Disturbingly, 41% of Hispanic adults in the U.S. reported receiving at least one scam call per week, and more than a quarter of them (27%) responded to a scam. Among them, 20% ended up losing money, representing the highest rate of loss across ethnic groups. Compounding the issue is a reluctance among Hispanic consumers to utilize call-blocking tools, making them even easier targets.

Why Are Hispanic Communities Targeted?

The reasons behind this unfortunate targeting are manifold. Many Hispanics in the U.S. maintain strong family ties abroad, which often leads to frequent international calls. This connection makes it challenging to discern suspicious numbers among legitimate communications. Furthermore, language barriers, cultural trust norms, and concerns about immigration status create an environment ripe for exploitation.

LiaBraaten elaborated on the gravity of immigration-related scams, advising, “Messages utilizing AI that mimic real officials can create panic among individuals who are simply trying to follow the law.”

The Role of AI in Scam Innovation

The introduction of AI into the realm of scamming has transformed traditional fraud tactics. Scammers now utilize AI to replicate official alerts and generate messages in real-time, often based on the latest news. For instance, when a news item related to economic crisis surfaces, rampant scams may follow, urging individuals to “adjust your 401(k)” or “evade penalties,” capitalizing on heightened fears.

Protecting Yourself Against Scams

Truecaller offers several recommendations to help consumers protect themselves from such predatory actions:
1. Never share personal or financial information over the phone.
2. Use apps like Truecaller to identify suspicious calls.
3. Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or local authorities.

As the landscape of scams continues to evolve, LiaBraaten emphasizes the need for individuals to fortify their defenses against such threats, stating, “Just as scams evolve, so too must our defenses.”

Conclusion

In light of these dangers, being informed and proactive is essential to safeguarding oneself against the rising tide of sophisticated scams. For those seeking further information or to download Truecaller’s app, visit www.truecaller.com.

Truecaller itself is an invaluable tool for over 450 million users worldwide, having identified and blocked more than 56 billion unwanted calls in 2024. With headquarters in Stockholm and listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since 2021, Truecaller continues to expand its reach and effectiveness in protecting users from fraud.