In today’s digital age, distinguishing between real and fake is becoming increasingly difficult, especially with AI that can manipulate video and audio. This was exemplified recently when Ferrari nearly fell victim to a deepfake scam.
A scammer posing as Ferrari’s CEO, Benedetto Vigna, attempted to deceive a company executive via WhatsApp. The messages discussed a “significant acquisition” that needed to be handled with “utmost discretion.” However, the executive noticed that the messages came from a different phone number than Vigna’s usual one, raising suspicions.
How The Scam Was Identified
The scammer, using a convincing deepfake of Vigna’s voice, spoke with the executive over the phone, claiming that the new number was for confidential matters. To verify the caller’s identity, the executive asked a specific question about a book recently recommended by the real Vigna. Unable to answer, the scammer abruptly ended the call.
Companies are urged to educate their employees on recognizing deepfake scams, like how they are trained to spot phishing emails. Enhanced security measures, such as verifying the identity of callers through unique questions or code words, are becoming increasingly important. The case at Ferrari serves as a reminder that vigilance is crucial, as even experienced professionals can be targeted by such scams.
Via Bloomberg
