Reported $66,000 Real Estate Scam Allegedly Used AI Voice Cloning
A West Michigan couple reportedly lost $66,000 in closing funds after falling victim to a real estate wire fraud scheme. The scam involved communications, including a phone call where the caller's voice allegedly sounded like their mortgage professional due to AI voice cloning, leading them to wire funds to a fraudulent account.
According to a report, a West Michigan couple, Brian and Wendy, were targeted during the final stages of purchasing a condo. They allegedly received an email that appeared legitimate and a phone call from a number matching a familiar contact. The person speaking on the call reportedly sounded like their mortgage professional, which fraud prevention company CertifID later stated involved AI voice cloning. Believing they were confirming genuine wiring instructions, Brian reportedly sent the couple's $66,000 in closing funds to the provided account. The fraud was discovered on closing day when the title company contacted them to confirm funds, revealing the money had gone to criminals. CertifID reviewed the case, confirming the fraudulent email, spoofed telephone number, and the use of AI voice cloning to impersonate the mortgage professional.