Witness Alert: Deceptive AI-Simulated Law Enforcement and Prosecutor Swindles Plaguing Public

In a chilling development, the Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) has issued a warning about an increase in criminals using artificial intelligence (AI) to impersonate police and prosecutors. These scams, which have been on the rise, are causing significant financial losses for unsuspecting victims.

According to CIB data, from January to the present, a staggering 3,114 cases of fake police and prosecutor scams have been reported. The daily losses from these fraudulent activities reached NT$275 million (US$9.13 million). The total losses from these cases amounted to a staggering NT$6.2 billion.

One such victim is a woman in her 60s who has been targeted multiple times. The ordeal began with a call from someone posing as her son in urgent need of money. However, the situation took a sinister turn when she was contacted weeks later by a fake bank officer claiming her account was flagged. The scammer then convinced her to transfer NT$20 million in savings to a fake police station. The identity of this woman is not disclosed in the search results, but her case serves as a stark reminder of the tactics used by these criminals.

The scams often involve a call warning about a bank account being "under investigation," followed by video calls using AI-generated police backdrops, uniforms, and forged documents. Victims are pressured into handing over bank cards or transferring funds for "monitoring."

The CBC recommends hanging up immediately and seeking verification by calling the 165 anti-fraud hotline. They also advise treating contact about IDs, bank accounts, or secrecy requirements as warning signs.

The CIB reported an average of 530 fraud cases per day last month. While no further details about the nature of the AI used by the criminals were provided, it is clear that these technologies are being employed to deceive and defraud innocent individuals.

Fake police and prosecutor scams remain among the most damaging, according to CIB figures. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for individuals to stay vigilant and be aware of these tactics. By taking proactive measures to protect themselves, they can help minimise the impact of these scams.