The AI system posed as a famous head of government, asking for a donation on behalf of ASEAN.
Shinawatra initially didn’t suspect anything unusual after hearing a familiar voice in the message.
However, as the caller demanded a donation and emphasized that Thailand had yet to contribute, she became cautious.
AI-Powered Scams Increasing in Southeast Asia
Shinawatra quickly recognized the call’s fraudulent nature and realized it had been artificially generated using AI.
She later confirmed that it wasn’t the world leader, but a scam designed to manipulate her.
Phone scams and cybercrime are on the rise in Southeast Asia, with fraud organizations exploiting new technologies.
Southeast Asia has faced widespread scams, including transnational networks and the ongoing civil crisis in Myanmar.
Global Scam Networks Exploit Technological Advances for Fraudulent Schemes
In one recent scam, a Chinese actor fell victim to a fraud ring based in Myanmar’s Myawaddy region.
The actor was tricked into believing he was attending a casting call, only to be brought to a scam center.
Authorities are concerned as these transnational organizations continue to expand their operations, using technology for deceit.
Southeast Asia remains vulnerable to AI-driven scams, and authorities are working to combat this growing problem.
