Gateway Women’s Club
Donna Marchetti, Janice Eaton, Fran Yungher, Laurel Borgia, and Leyna Hoffer
Victoria Staryk, Crime Prevention Practitioner with the Community Response Unit of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, was on hand to tell the audience how they can optimize the benefits and minimize the harms of artificial intelligence (AI) in their daily lives as well as their online activities.
The primary goal of AI is to eliminate tedious tasks and assist in accessing information and data. There are three types of AI. Stage One is Narrow Artificial Intelligence. Here, the machine imitates human behavior, specializing in one area to answer simple questions. Machines are limited to specific responses, like those provided by Siri or Alexa. Stage Two is Artificial General Intelligence. Here, machines can continuously learn. Stage Three is Artificial Super Intelligence. Here, machines are smarter across the board.
Over three billion people have been scammed through social media. Staryk suggests you keep your social media private. AI only knows what you tell it. AI can replicate the sounds of voices and appear to be a real person you know, leading to imposter scams. If you experience a suspicious call, let people know. Staryk explained that by sharing your experience, you may alert others and prevent them from falling victim to the same scam. The Lee County Sheriff’s Department posts a list of ways to identify a fraudulent caller:
FRAUD & SCAM PREVENTION TIPS
• If you receive a scam call, HANG UP.
• If you do not recognize who is calling or texting, do not answer.
• Verify who’s calling because scammers can fake caller ID.
• Be wary of AI voice scams. Create a secret code word or a plan with loved ones.
• Do not open emails from people you don’t know.
• Inspect QR codes before scanning and clicking the link.
• When sent a link, verify the sender and the link’s destination before clicking.
• Protect personal identifying information. Be careful what details you post online.
• Verify the recipient before sending money or personal information.
• Never send money to anyone you’ve only communicated with on the phone.
• Gift cards should not be used as a form of payment.
• Use a credit card instead of a debit card.
• Check credit reports, bank statements, and medical benefits regularly.
• Get credit reports from: TransUnion, Equifax, Experian
• Freeze your credit if you’re not making a big purchase.
• Change your passwords every 90 days.
• Keep your software up to date to maintain preventive programs.
• Do not conduct important business over public Wi-Fi.
• Shred documents with identifying information.
• Get law enforcement involved.
If you see something, say something. Make the call to LCSO (239) 477-1000
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of science which deals with helping machines find solutions to complex problems in a more human-like fashion.
• The term Artificial Intelligence has been around since 1956. AI has grown as technology has advanced.
• There are three different types of AI: Narrow, General, Super.
• Common uses of AI: facial recognition, voice assistants (Siri, Alexa, etc.), smart devices, search engines.
• Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools can produce writing, answer questions, explain complicated topics, provide insights, write computer code, etc.
• Voice cloning can use AI to copy someone’s voice using as little as a few seconds of recorded audio.
• Be wary of AI voice scams. Create a secret code word or a plan with loved ones.
• Verify who’s calling because scammers can fake caller ID.
• Get law enforcement involved with AI scams.
• Inspect QR codes before scanning and clicking the link.
• Protect personal identifying information. Be careful what details you post online.
• Don’t believe everything you see or hear. AI can generate audio, photos, and videos.
• When looking at AI visuals: check for distorted hands, warped backgrounds, or physical errors. AI visuals are typically too perfect.
If you see something, say something. Make the call to LCSO (239) 477-1000
In addition, be cautious of QR codes. Sadly, they can be manipulated and direct the user to fraudulent destinations. Staryk encourages residents to visit the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention webpage. You can sign up to receive a monthly Safety & Security and Fraud Alert newsletter. The newsletter provides helpful tips and information to help you stay informed about crime prevention, personal safety, and the latest fraud and scam alerts.
Staryk encouraged everyone to stay informed, remain cautious online, and report suspicious activity to help protect themselves and their community.
https://www.sheriffleefl.org/crime-prevention-programs/
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office offers free crime prevention programs for residents, businesses, and community groups.
THANK YOU
DEB STEPHANO
In addition to this wonderful speaker and her presentation, the Women’s Club wanted to send a special thank you for years of service to members Lynn Lewis and Patti Heath. They were presented with bouquet of roses by Women’s Club President Charlotte Stewart.
