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Why fake robocalls are sounding more and more real — and what's being done about it

How can consumers protect themselves from malicious AI? We'll dig in.
During New Hampshire's primary, some voters received phone calls that imitated President Joe Biden's voice and discouraged people from heading to the polls.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

Your scam stories

Oct 30, 2023
Econ Extra Credit newsletter #172: Readers share their cautionary tales and we provide some tips on how to protect yourself.
A telemarketer points out immigrant-owned businesses that have supported police groups out of fear or a misguided belief they would receive protection.
“Telemarketers”/HBO

A big-time scam

Oct 2, 2023
Econ Extra Credit newsletter #168
Courtesy HBO

AI amplifies scam calls and other deceptions

The technology's ability to clone voices and likenesses makes authentication harder but more urgent, says Wasim Khaled of Blackbird.AI.
People have received calls from what sounds like a relative asking for money, but the voice was generated by artificial intelligence in a fraudulent scheme.
Tero Vesalainen/Getty Images Plus

For public good, not for profit.

Financial losses from romance scams add up

Reported romance scam losses in 2022 were $1.3 billion, but that's likely an undercount.
Many online scammers are running multiple cons at once, including romance scams.
celiaosk via Getty Images

Predatory practices past and present target Black investors

Feb 10, 2023
Payday loans, high-fee check-cashing services and scams find fertile ground in a community still affected by generations of discrimination.
Kenneth Nichols, right, works with Janice Leek to set up a presentation called "The Future of Blockchain Is Here!"
Kimberly Adams/Marketplace
Large banks, including J.P. Morgan Chase, are creating a system to reimburse customers who fall victim to scams.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images