Generative AI is increasingly being weaponized in scams, political ads, and social media, using fake images, videos, and synthetic voices to deceive the public. In a recent talk hosted by the Wheaton Public Library, tech expert Theresa Benson highlighted the growing risks, emphasizing that awareness is the first line of defense.
Benson explained how scammers now use AI tools to clone voices from short audio clips, create realistic but fake videos, and generate convincing images to impersonate loved ones or authority figures. These techniques are being employed in a variety of fraud schemes, including fake emergency calls, phishing campaigns, and disinformation efforts.
“The technology has become so accessible that almost anyone can create a believable deepfake with minimal effort,” Benson said. She urged the audience to verify suspicious communications through independent channels and to be cautious about sharing personal media online.
The talk also covered how synthetic media is infiltrating political advertising, eroding trust in visual and audio evidence. As the 2026 election cycle gears up, experts warn that AI-generated content could further muddy the information landscape.
Benson’s presentation, titled “AI, Scams, and Synthetic Voices,” is part of a series by the library aimed at helping the community navigate emerging digital threats.