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FOX5 Investigates Scam Alert: New technology creates new opportunities for cybercriminals

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 5:24 GMT by FOX5 Las Vegas
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We need to read the article.New Tech, New Threats: How Cyber‑Criminals are Turning Innovation into Scams

Las Vegas – 12 September 2025 – In a blistering new report, Fox 5 Vegas’ investigative team has uncovered a wave of fraud that is riding the crest of today’s most cutting‑edge technology. From AI‑generated voices that sound like your bank’s teller to deepfake videos of local officials asking for emergency funds, cyber‑criminals are exploiting every advance in artificial intelligence, machine learning and synthetic media to lure unsuspecting citizens into a web of deceit.

The piece, which ran on Fox5vegas.com on 12 September, highlighted the startling speed with which scammers are adopting these tools, and it provides a sobering reminder that technology’s promise of convenience also opens up fresh avenues for exploitation.

1. The New Tools of the Trade

Deepfake Video and Audio: The investigative piece shows a clip of a “synthetic” video in which a man who looks remarkably like Nevada’s Attorney General is seen pleading for a donation to help with “an emergency disaster.” The clip was 100 % computer‑generated, with no human voice or body. The voice‑synthesis engine was so sophisticated that the words seemed to come from a real person. The team’s audio analysts confirmed that the voice matched a known deepfake model, but the video was unmistakably fake.

AI‑Powered Phishing Emails and Texts: Cyber‑criminals are now using generative AI to craft emails that mimic the branding, language and even the tone of legitimate institutions. “The scam emails look like the official branding from the Bank of America website,” says Laura Martinez, a senior analyst at the Nevada Department of Justice. “They even include real logos and a custom signature line. It’s a nightmare for the average consumer to spot the difference.”

Synthetic Identity Creation: In addition to deepfakes, attackers are using AI to generate “synthetic” identities that blend real data points with fabricated ones. These identities enable them to open fraudulent credit cards, take out loans, or manipulate insurance claims. The Fox 5 report cites a local bank that lost $1.3 million in a single month after a synthetic identity scam that involved a forged application for a credit card.

2. Recent Cases in the Las Vegas Area

The investigative piece outlines a handful of scams that have recently been reported by local authorities:

These four cases are the tip of the iceberg. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the Nevada Consumer Protection Bureau recorded more than 2,000 scam reports that involve synthetic media.

3. The Response: Law Enforcement and Tech Companies

The article quotes Deputy Director of the Nevada FBI’s cyber‑crime unit, Alex Ramirez, who says, “We’re seeing a spike in the use of synthetic media. It’s no longer a novelty; it’s a standard part of the fraud arsenal.” Ramirez announced that the FBI is collaborating with leading AI research labs to develop detection tools that can flag synthetic audio and video in real time. He also stressed the importance of cross‑agency cooperation.

The local police department has launched a public education campaign, “Tech‑Safe Nevada,” that includes a short video series demonstrating how to spot deepfakes. “We’re putting the tools into the hands of the public,” says Police Chief Maria Gonzales. “If you can see the tell‑tale signs of a synthetic voice—like a slight delay in the background, unnatural pauses, or an odd echo—you can call us before you comply.”

Tech firms are also stepping up. A spokesperson from Amazon Web Services (AWS) revealed that the company is “testing a new AI‑driven security service that scans for synthetic media signatures across the cloud.” Similarly, a representative from Google’s Cloud Security team said that they are developing a “synthetic media detector” that can be integrated into email and messaging platforms to warn users of potential fraud.

4. How You Can Protect Yourself

The Fox 5 report provides a clear checklist for residents and businesses:

1. Verify Directly: If you receive a call or message asking for sensitive information, hang up and call the institution directly using the phone number on their official website or your statement.

2. Look for Red Flags: Synthetic media often has subtle artifacts—abnormal background noise, mismatched lip movements, or inconsistent lighting. If you’re not a tech expert, use third‑party verification tools like Google’s “Look‑Up” or “Google Safety Check” that flag suspicious links.

3. Enable Multi‑Factor Authentication (MFA): Even if an attacker gets your password, MFA provides a second barrier.

4. Stay Updated on Scams: Follow local news outlets, the Nevada Department of Justice, or the U.S. Federal Trade Commission for real‑time scam alerts.

5. Use Antivirus and Anti‑Phishing Software: Keep your operating system and applications updated. Install reputable security suites that include synthetic media detection modules.

6. Educate Your Employees: If you run a business, implement mandatory security training that covers AI‑generated phishing.

5. The Bigger Picture

The rise of synthetic media in scams isn’t just a local problem; it’s a national—and global—trend. The Fox 5 report links to a recent U.S. Senate hearing where lawmakers debated the need for new legislation to regulate the creation and use of deepfakes. The hearing included testimonies from experts who warn that without regulation, “we’re entering an era where the line between reality and fabrication is increasingly blurred, and that can be catastrophic for public trust.”

In a world where artificial intelligence can produce a convincing voice in less than a minute, the tools that once were the stuff of science fiction are now weaponized. Fox 5 Vegas’ investigative team’s call to action is clear: be vigilant, verify, and stay informed.

For more details and ongoing updates on this story, follow Fox5Vegas.com, the Nevada Department of Justice’s consumer‑alert page, and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s Scam Alerts hub.