Nebraska experts warn of uptick in AI identity scams

# AI Voice Cloning Scams on the Rise in Nebraska, Warns Better Business Bureau

In a recent report by First Alert 6, local experts are warning about a concerning uptick in AI-powered identity scams affecting Nebraska residents. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) representative Josh Planos shared valuable insights about these evolving threats and how you can protect yourself.

## The New Face of Scams: AI Voice Cloning

According to Planos, scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to clone voices, making their deception significantly more convincing. “Now, with just a snippet of somebody’s voice, you can create a script and effectively have them say anything,” Planos explained. This technology enables fraudsters to impersonate family members, CEOs, or other trusted individuals in your life.

These scams typically begin with a phone call, and while the stories may vary, their tactics remain consistent – they aim to establish trust and then exploit it for financial gain.

## Alarming Statistics

The Federal Trade Commission reports that imposter scams ranked number one in Omaha in 2023, with more than 3,000 people falling victim. Even more concerning, the BBB has received more scam reports this year than last year, indicating that prevention efforts are facing significant challenges.

## How to Protect Yourself

Planos offered several important recommendations to avoid becoming a victim:

1. **Verify identity through other channels**: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the person directly through known, verified methods

2. **Have face-to-face conversations**: For anything involving significant sums of money, insist on an in-person or video call meeting

3. **Ask questions**: You have every right to ask detailed questions before agreeing to any terms or conditions

4. **Be skeptical of urgency**: Scammers often create a false sense of emergency to prevent you from thinking clearly

## If You Think You’ve Been Scammed

If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a scam, take these immediate steps:

1. Check your credit report
2. Contact your bank immediately
3. Report the scam to the BBB Scam Tracker website

## Additional Precautions

The BBB also recommends setting up multi-factor authentication for all your personal