Residents in the Pittsburgh area came close to being scammed after clicking a fraudulent Instagram casting call. The bait was an offer to work as a background performer on the hit show "The Pitt."
Here's what to know
KDKA Investigates (@cbspittsburgh) examined the fake ad and the broader spread of artificial intelligence-fueled impersonation scams in a video report posted to TikTok.
@cbspittsburgh SPOTTING SCAMS: Impersonation scams are on the rise that take you to fake websites with sales, casting calls, and other opportunities. They're only expected to worsen as the holidays approach. How can you recognize and avoid these AI-fueled scams? One expert explained to KDKA Investigates what you need to be on the lookout for. Watch and read the full story at the link in our bio.
♬ original sound - KDKA
"Impersonation scams are on the rise that take you to fake websites with sales, casting calls, and other opportunities," the station warned in its caption.
The advertiser's identity didn't initially give the offer credibility. Vinnie Minhas, a vice president at brand-protection company Corsearch, told KDKA that viewers trusted the familiar show's name before examining who was behind the ad.
Fashion, skincare, and protein powders are among the offers used to reach consumers, along with job postings. Minhas said AI-fueled impersonation spans nearly every industry. His company helps brands combat it.
The report cautioned that these scams could spread further.
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More background
One interviewee's son was arriving home from school while they were caught up in the supposed opportunity.
"I feel like what a waste of my time," the would-be victim told KDKA.
Banking information automatically filled in by a device could end up being handed over as people click through an offer, Minhas warned.
Outside of helping facilitate scams, AI depends on electricity-powered computing infrastructure, tying its expansion to demand on the energy grid.
While AI can help optimize clean-energy systems, operating it can require substantial electricity and water.
What can be done?
Independently verifying the websites behind offers is one of three precautions Minhas recommended to KDKA. The other two are double-checking the offers themselves and staying proactive while scrolling.
An offer that seems too good to be true deserves skepticism, he advised. That rings doubly true for opportunities that include an allure that might tempt users browsing the listing to say yes before doing their diligence.
Scammers' speed makes it difficult for businesses to stop impersonation, Minhas explained to the station. To protect consumers, companies are moving beyond a reactive response and taking a more proactive approach to stopping impersonators.
"They're making money and they're able to do this very quickly, and they're able to disappear in a matter of seconds," Minhas told KDKA.
Where can I learn more?
Fake casting calls are just one way scammers use AI to make an offer look convincing.
• The FBI says AI-linked scams cost Americans $893 million as voice-cloning schemes spread.
• In Florida, scammers use AI-cloned deputy voices to demand cryptocurrency over fake warrants.
• A woman received a cheating claim from an AI profile, raising suspicions about the evidence.
• Scammers used AI to sell a man a nonexistent $36,000 Toyota on Facebook Marketplace.
• In the U.K., fake injured veterans appear in AI-generated scams selling supposedly handmade goods.
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