Victoria Police warn of AI voice cloning scams targeting Mandarin speakers

Victoria Police have issued a warning regarding a sophisticated scam involving AI voice cloning technology that specifically targets Mandarin-speaking residents. Since early September, authorities have received 10 reports of scammers impersonating doctors, general practitioners, or surgeons to defraud victims.

In these incidents, scammers use AI to mimic the voices of medical professionals known to the victims. The perpetrators often exploit urgent health situations or business pretexts to pressure individuals into purchasing gift cards and sharing the PIN codes via text message.

Recent cases have resulted in significant financial losses, with one victim losing $50,000 and another losing $40,000. Acting Inspector Eleanor Vallas of the Cybercrime Squad advised the public to never purchase gift cards at the request of a medical professional and to verify any suspicious calls by contacting the individual through an official, known number.