Scams happen every second, in many different parts of the planet.
I am sure that you, like me and everyone else, receive a massive number of scammy dms in your Web2 social media.
Most of the times I do not respond at all. I block, report and move on.
But this morning I felt I wanted to have some fun while seeing exactly what the scam is.
Well, Elon send me a message on X. After I asked him a few questions, he thought it was proper to video call me, so that I could see that it was really him!!!
I did not answer, I dont think that I will waste any more time with him, but I am writing this in case it reaches someone who is searching for a similar case.
This was his first approach
After I asked a few questions to see what he would answer back, he told me to use an alternative means of communication, and as a matter of fact he insisted about me downloading zangi.
I have only just heard about this app, have you used it or heard it before?
Zangi is a secure messaging and calling app that prioritizes privacy, offering features like end-to-end encryption and low data consumption. It's commonly used for individual and business communication, but its emphasis on anonymity has also made it a tool for scammers. While Zangi is a popular choice for those concerned about privacy, it is also known for being used by scammers to communicate with victims, according to Quora users and The Times of India.
What kind of app is Zangi?
Secure messaging and calling:
Zangi allows users to send encrypted text messages, make high-quality audio and video calls, share files, and participate in group chats.
Privacy-focused:
It features end-to-end encryption and claims to not collect user data, even for its free messenger service. Users can register without a phone number or email, instead using a unique Zangi Number.
Low data consumption:
The app is designed to work even with a weak or crowded internet connection, making it suitable for areas with poor connectivity.
Business solutions:
In addition to its free app, Zangi offers a platform for businesses and organizations to build their own branded messaging and communication solutions.
I searched online and asked AI about what I would see if I answered the video chat and below we will see the responses by Grok Web and by ChatGPT
What You'd Likely See If You Answered the Video Call
Based on reported cases, you'd probably encounter an AI-generated deepfake video mimicking Elon Musk's appearance and voice in real-time or near-real-time. This could be:
A pre-recorded clip edited to respond to you (e.g., lip-syncing to scripted lines about investments).
A live feed using accessible AI tools (like open-source GitHub code) to overlay Musk's face onto the scammer's, making it look like a genuine conversation.
Subtle glitches, like unnatural blinking, mismatched lighting, or delayed audio, but increasingly convincing due to advancing AI.
The "Elon" would likely flatter you, reference your X posts for personalization, and quickly pivot to a high-pressure pitch: "Invest now in this exclusive crypto opportunity—I'll match your funds!" Scammers use this to extract wallet details, bank info, or small "test" payments that lead to bigger demands. In one case, a victim described a video call where the fake Musk's voice and face convinced them to wire $26,000 for a supposed "relationship" scam.
You can read more by Grok and check the pages mentioned in the post: https://grok.com/share/c2hhcmQtNA%3D%3D_9019daad-96c2-4a1d-a17e-6eb52ac959c0
When I asked ChatGPT the same question, the answer was similar to the above, and there was some extra information about recent scams regarding Deep Fake Videos
You can see the full ChatGPT response here
https://chatgpt.com/s/t_68fbae8802188191a520a8b6f26bd77a
What is really important is that we let our people (relatives, friends that are not so computer savvy, even our parents) know that everyone will want to scam them these days and they should even question if it is us who called them on the phone to ask them for money.
It is important that they understand how technology has evolved and can fool everyone
I want to tell you a somewhat funny but tragic story.
There was a group of people, called themselves Power technicians who visited houses where old ladies lived alone. They said to them that there is a problem with the power, and they needed to gather all batteries, coins and jewellery, put them in a bawl with water and take them outside of the house or else a fire would start from the power! An old lady who had no jewellery, did as they said, put all the batteries, some coins and a 20 euro paper money. When later, her son asked her why she did this, she replied that this would be the way to leave her alone, as she did not want them to go back. She is an old lady living at a village...
I dont know if you had heard of a scam in the past, where fraudsters would call a home claiming to be a doctor who needed money for an emergency surgery for the family's child who had an accident.. Now, they have the tech to create the real voice of the child.
All this can be pretty scary and I really want to find ways to educate people and warn them. The least someone can do is search online and first not believe anything that sounds urgent, strange, too profitable etc
Let's remember to remind our loved ones to be extra careful - especially online :)
I have warned my mother, to always call me to ask me if she does not know what she should click on or if anything seems strange to her!