It's not just the metaverse, but technology in general is rapidly evolving. In fact,there are a number of advancements in machine learning and other computer science fields that scammers and imposters are exploiting in order to gain access to otherwise secure data and information.
Deepfakes are one such advancement. They are essentially lifelike, identical, and impossible to tell apart from the digital persona of a real person. Imagine meeting somebody for an online video call and then later being told the person was a deep fake.
This means that the imposter used deep fake technology to mimic the voice and appearance of a person you may know and trust and got away with it. Deep fakesare as real as you and me.
On the metaverse, we engage in the complexity of meeting and speaking with avatars or graphical representations of ourselves and other users. We assume that the person we are speaking to is who we think it is. But when you mix digital avatars and deep fakes with scam artists and imposters purely trying to conun suspecting metaverse participants, there may be a chance you aren't speaking to the right person.
A master imposter needs time to study their victim. They generally plan how they're going to scam someone. They would have to know specific information about their habits or get hold of a personal piece of information.
Imagine meeting your boss on the metaverse. During the meeting, your boss asks you todo something unexpected. Maybe he or she asks you to fire someone or transfer funds to a bank account they provide you during the meeting. Not knowing that this could be a master imposter utilizing deep fake technology, you would do what your boss is asking of you. The consequences could be devastating.
Deepfake technology is highly specialized now and not widely available. However, wecan assume that cyber criminals, scam artists, and master imposters have a way of doing things in ways least expected, and as a result, they end up getting away with it. The metaverse is an open-ended, regulation-free haven for scammers and con artists, and you should take every precaution when in it.
To protect yourselves from scams and con artists on the metaverse, it is highly recommended to. Number one, never divulge personal information or take actions you feel should not be taken. Number two, avoid any financial exchange of information or funds, or the divulge of any personal information on the metaverse.
And finally, if you're meeting people you know and they want you to do something,get a verification over the phone or through another trusted means of communication. When it comes to imposters and scammers, we have to pay careful attention as it's not only adults who fall victim, but also a large segment of younger people who are more vulnerable and susceptible to fraudsters.
Enjoy the metaverse for what it is, a meeting place and an experiential world. It's a great idea. However, I strongly advise that you ensure maximum personal safety to preventative and cautious behavior.
