AI used to create legitimate-looking Reader’s Digest scams: RCMP

A person uses a cell phone in New Orleans, on Aug. 11, 2019. (AP-Jenny Kane/The Canadian Press)

Mounties in Strathcona County are warning the public of a new scam involving Reader’s Digest, a general interest magazine distributed in Canada and the U.S.

Victims received phone, email, text or social media messages being told they’ve won a substantial cash prize or other rewards. Before that prize can be claimed, however, scammers ask the recipient to pay insurance costs, taxes, processing fees or delivery charges.

RCMP says no legitimate prize organization will ask winners to pay money up front for their prize.

Scammers may also be using artificial intelligence to make these schemes look more realistic, investigators are learning. There are reports of AI-generated videos that appear to show well-known public figures personally congratulating them on their winnings.

Mounties ask that anyone who receives these messages do not pay tax, insurance, processing fees or shipping costs of any kind and to be skeptical of any calls or texts saying you’ve won a prize.

They also warn that AI-generated videos can be convincing but to stay wary of any celebrity being used to make a prize look legitimate.

Anyone who thinks they may be a victim of fraud can contact the Strathcona County RCMP at 780-467-7741 or 310-RCMP (7267). Anonymous tips can be filed with Crime Stoppers.