Police warn of new AI-powered scams
The Finnish police have issued a warning about a new and dangerous method of fraud. Criminals are posing as police officers and contacting victims via Google Meet video calls. The goal of this new method is to make people believe they are speaking with a legitimate authority figure.
In these video calls, scammers use artificial intelligence to look and sound like real police officers. In this way, they attempt to trick victims into handing over personal information or money. The police remind the public that authorities will never ask for bank credentials or money during a video call.
The phenomenon is part of a broader wave of scams where technology is misused to build trust. The police emphasize that it is difficult to verify the authenticity of a video call if the caller is unknown. Artificial intelligence can alter a person's face and voice so skillfully that the scam is difficult to detect immediately.
If you receive a suspicious video call that appears to be from the police, disconnect immediately. Do not answer questions or share any information. If you are unsure, you can always contact your local police department yourself through official channels.
The police urge citizens to be extremely cautious and to discuss the topic with their loved ones, especially the elderly. Awareness of these new scam methods is the best way to protect yourself from criminals.