UN warns massive billion-dollar fraud networks are on the rise in Southeast Asia

Date:
Tue, 08 Oct 2024 13:55:53 +0000

Description:
Crime syndicates in Southeast Asia are using deep fakes to trick victims, UN warns.

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A new report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has revealed crime syndicates in Southeast Asia are increasingly using technologies such
as deepfakes, malware, and generative AI in their operations to trick
victims.

Analysis of the threat landscape by the UN warned criminals have adapted to technological advances - with an estimated loss of between $18 billion and
$37 billion from scams targeting people in East and SouthEast Asia in 2023.

This included an over 600% increase in mentions of deepfake related content
in the first half of 2024, with the Philippines, Vietnam, and Japan all suffering over 2500% increases between 2022 and 2023. Crime-as-a-service

Specifically, the UN report claims criminals have been using AI generated content for social engineering and fraud schemes, alongside deceptive recruitment campaigns - which encourage victims to accept jobs that are
fronts for human trafficking schemes.

The integration of generative artificial intelligence by transnational criminal groups involved in cyber-enabled fraud is a complex and alarming trend observed in Southeast Asia, and one that represents a powerful force multiplier for criminal activities, said John Wojcik, UNODC Regional Analyst.

These developments have not only expanded the scope and efficiency of cyber-enabled fraud and cybercrime; they have also lowered the barriers to entry for criminal networks that previously lacked the technical skills to exploit more sophisticated and profitable methods. he said.

The spread of AI-enbaled crime is a global issue, with deepfake, ransomware, and cryptocurrency scams all on the rise in recent years. Criminals around
the world have been taking advantage of the new ways to exploit vulnerable people, especially using technologies few are trained to spot. More from TechRadar Pro Check out our pick of the best malware removal Why deepfakes
are set to be one of 2024s biggest cyber security dangers Take a look at our pick of the best antivirus software



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/un-warns-massive-billion-dollar-fraud-networks-a re-on-the-rise-in-southeast-asia


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