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The Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Robocall ProtectionÌý³Ù±ð²¹³¾Ìý±è°ù±ð±¹¾±´Ç³Ü²õ±ô²âÌý°ù±ð±è´Ç°ù³Ù±ð»åÌýthatÌýfraudsters are continuing to evolve their schemes by usingÌýartificial intelligence (AI) voice cloning.Ìý

In May 2024, the FCC issued the first C-CIST (Consumer Communications Information Services Threats) classification for an entity using the alias ‘Royal Tiger’ for deploying AI to run robocallÌýscams. This group isÌýreportedly responsibleÌýfor running AI-relatedÌýscamsÌýincluding bank impersonations, interest rateÌýreductionsÌýand utilities. One of theÌýscamsÌýthey were associated with wasÌýÌýand claiming their victims hadÌýoutstanding traffic tickets, which is what we will be discussing below.ÌýÌý

How the Traffic Tickets Scam WorksÌý

Bad actors are using sophisticated AI voice cloning technology to createÌýoutstanding traffic ticketÌýscamÌýcalls and leave voicemails. To make theÌýscamÌýappear more legitimate, they may also send a text message with a link that will lead the targeted victim to a website. The websites and texts are also generated using AI.ÌýÌýÌý

ThisÌýscamÌýcall may also pretend to be from a lawyer claiming that there was anÌýoutstanding traffic ticketÌýfrom years ago, leading the targeted victim to think they had forgotten about it. It is also possible for scammers toÌýuseÌýcaller ID spoofingÌýtoÌýspoof law enforcement groups, increasing the chances of their target picking up the phone.ÌýÌýÌý

WhyÌýTraffic TicketÌýScams Are So DangerousÌý

Traffic ticketÌýscams like this are dangerous to consumers because not only does it potentially cost them financially, but it can also damage the trust people have in government.Ìý

When someone who has fallen victim to a traffic ticketÌýscamÌýreceives a legitimate traffic ticket, they may be skeptical of its legitimacy and notÌýpayÌýit, causing them further issues.ÌýÌýÌý

Traffic TicketÌýScam TacticsÌý

It is important to remember that legitimate traffic tickets are not given over the phone. In addition, law enforcement agencies do not ask for payment of traffic tickets over the phone, so it is a major red flag if you receive this request.ÌýÌýÌý

FCC Action Against ‘Royal Tiger’Ìý

HopefullyÌýthe C-CIST against ‘Royal Tiger’ will send a warning sign to other groups generating robocallÌýscams, as this is one of the many steps the FCC is taking to protect consumers from fraudsters.ÌýÌýÌý

How to Protect Yourself from Ticket Text ScamsÌý

It is best practice to never engage with unknown numbers and report phone numbers being used by scammers to your carrier. If you believe you are the victim of aÌýscam, you can report it to your local police, state Attorney General’sÌýofficeÌýand the . â¶Ä¯ÌýÌý

Call-blocking apps, including those powered by  Ģ¹½ÊÓƵ Call Guardian®, are also a great resource for reporting and blocking unwanted robocalls.Ìý

John Haraburda isÌýProductÌýLead for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Call Guardian® with specific responsibility for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’ Communications Market solutions. â¶Ä¯ÌýÌý

Call Guardian is a registered trademark of Transaction Network Services, Inc. â¶Ä¯Ìý