EXCLUSIVE: Former police brass press lawmakers to crack down on cybercrime Brooklyn Paper

"The current and former police officials say they commend the Legislature for what they describe as tremendous progress in fighting this epidemic, but argue that several other priorities need attention, including cracking down on deepfake and artificial intelligence voice scams and passing bill S7382/A8051. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated in the era of AI, using deepfake voice cloning and digital impersonation to mimic the voices and images of people victims know."

"Since 2020, more than 4.2 million fraud reports have been filed nationwide, resulting in more than $50.5 billion in losses, with a growing share tied to deepfake scams. A growing number of scammers are now using artificial intelligence to clone voices and impersonate family members, first responders, and even local officials, the letter states, adding that such scams have already robbed New York seniors and families of tens of thousands of dollars."

"The AARP reports that in 2023, more than 4,300 New Yorkers age 60 and older lost $203,437,635 about $557,000 a day and $23,200 an hour to financial exploitation. According to an FBI report, it's the fourth-highest total of any state."

A coalition of retired New York police leaders urges state lawmakers to strengthen protections for seniors against cybercrime and financial exploitation. The coalition includes former NYPD chiefs, assistant chiefs, and former county and state police commissioners. The AARP reports that in 2023 more than 4,300 New Yorkers age 60 and older lost $203,437,635 to financial exploitation, about $557,000 a day and $23,200 an hour. An FBI report ranks the state's total as the fourth-highest. Since 2020, over 4.2 million fraud reports nationwide have resulted in more than $50.5 billion in losses. Scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence, including deepfake voice cloning and digital impersonation, to mimic family members, first responders, and local officials. The coalition urges cracking down on deepfake and AI voice scams and passing bill S7382/A8051.

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