AI clones girl’s voice in $1 million kidnapping attempt

By Team CG
|
April 18, 2023
|

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to clone her daughter's voice, the culprits nearly conned a mother from Arizona.

Jennifer DeStefano shared that her daughter, Briana, was on a ski vacation with her friends when she received a phone call from an anonymous number. She heard her daughter crying and pleading for help, according to media reports.

She was then approached by a man who demanded $1 million to free her daughter.

The man threatened DeStefano, claiming that if she did not make the payment he would drug her daughter and dispose of her out of the country.

When DeStefano received the call, she negotiated with the man to lower the ransom price to half the amount he asked for. During the ransom call, her colleague contacted the police and her husband contacted Briana, who confirmed that she was safe.

Her daughter's voice sounded so similar to the voice she had heard on the phone, which had been cloned by artificial intelligence, that she was startled.

In addition, Briana explained how terrifying this situation could have become if her mother hadn't confirmed her location.

It was already concerning how the criminals had obtained audio from Briana and knew about her family members or that she was on a trip.