Montana voters warned of rising AI-generated scams ahead of election day

Montana Voters Warned of Rising AI-Generated Scams Ahead of Election Day

As election season intensifies in Montana, with only 34 days until voters head to the polls, there is a growing focus on safeguarding the integrity of the voting process against fraudulent schemes. NonStop Local, a leading news service in the region, is highlighting potential risks to voters, particularly emphasising the dangers of robocalls and AI-generated voice scams.

The warning comes in the wake of an incident earlier in the year in New Hampshire, where approximately 25,000 residents received deceptive robocalls purporting to feature the voice of President Joe Biden. The calls falsely informed voters, “Your vote makes a difference in November, not this Tuesday,” misguiding them about the timing of a primary election. This sophisticated ruse utilised AI voice-cloning technology, which has become increasingly prevalent in digital scams.

In response to these emerging threats, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken a definitive stance, declaring the use of voice-cloning technology in robocalls illegal. However, despite this regulatory move, the risk to voters persists, necessitating continued vigilance as the November 2024 general election approaches.

Voters are encouraged to be wary of unsolicited calls and social media interactions that could be part of malicious schemes. Scammers often employ fake audio to manipulate voters’ opinions and actions, potentially directing them to phony donation sites or providing incorrect details about polling places and times.

To navigate these threats, several protective measures are recommended:

1. Verification is Key: Always verify the authenticity of any election-related information received. Legitimate updates will typically come from official election offices or recognised news outlets.

2. Polling Place Confirmation: Do not take calls or messages about polling places closures at face value; confirm directly with local or state election officials.

3. Resist Influence Attempts: Be cautious of calls seeking to sway your vote or demanding immediate financial contributions over the phone.

4. Celebrity and Politician Calls: Treat unexpected calls from individuals claiming to be celebrities or politicians with scepticism. Recent scams have falsely used names like Tom Hanks, Elon Musk, and Dolly Parton to gain credibility.

The aim is to protect personal information, financial assets, and the critical democratic act of voting from being compromised. Understanding the threats and knowing how to respond will be crucial in maintaining the integrity of both individual votes and the broader electoral process.

NonStop Local remains committed to providing up-to-date information on these issues, ensuring that Montanans can vote securely and confidently in the upcoming elections. Voters are encouraged to stay informed and cautious as Election Day approaches.

Source: Noah Wire Services