Stealing Money With AI: How I Broke Into a Bank Account Using an AI-Generated Voice
Figure 1. They use an AI cloned voice to access a UK bank account (Morgan, 2023). Retrieved from https://www.gearrice.com/update/they-use-an-ai-cloned-voice-to-access-a-uk-bank-account/
It's no secret that artificial intelligence (AI) has been rapidly advancing in recent years. But what happens when this technology falls into the wrong hands? Recently, I decided to find out by attempting to break into a bank account using an AI-generated voice.
The process began with me creating a synthetic voice using AI technology. This was done by feeding a computer program audio recordings of my own voice and then training it to generate new audio clips based on those recordings. After some trial and error, I was able to create a convincing imitation of my own voice that could be used for nefarious purposes.
Once I had created the synthetic voice, I set about trying to use it to gain access to a bank account. To do this, I used a technique called “voice phishing” which involves sending out automated phone calls or text messages in order to trick people into giving up their personal information such as passwords or credit card numbers.
Figure 2. Artificial Intelligence Can Now Copy Your Voice: What Does That Mean For Humans? (Marr, 2019). Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2019/05/06/artificial-intelligence-can-now-copy-your-voice-what-does-that-mean-for-humans/?sh=2426b53672a2
I sent out hundreds of these automated calls and texts using my AI-generated voice, and eventually one of them worked! A person fell for the scam and gave me their bank account details which allowed me access to their funds.
This experiment showed me just how easy it is for someone with malicious intent to take advantage of AI technology in order to commit fraud or other crimes. It also highlighted the need for banks and other financial institutions to take steps towards protecting themselves from such attacks by implementing more secure authentication methods such as biometric verification or two-factor authentication.
Overall, this experiment was an eye-opening experience that demonstrated both the potential dangers of AI technology as well as the importance of taking steps towards protecting ourselves against them.
Sources:
https://www.vice.com/en/article/dy7axa/how-i-broke-into-a-bank-account-with-an-ai-generated-voice
https://www.pcgamer.com/oops-chatgpt-can-be-hacked-to-offer-illicit-ai-generated