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the easiest way to defeat phone fraud is to ahead of time decide on a verbal password between family (and close friends, if they're close enough that you'd lend

by chii 1y ago

the easiest way to defeat phone fraud is to ahead of time decide on a verbal password between family (and close friends, if they're close enough that you'd lend them money). In a real scenario, they'd know the verbal password and you can authenticate them. Drum it into them that this password will prevent other people from impersonating you in this brave new world of ai voices and even video.

jimjimwii 1y ago
That is more or less what i did with my parents, but this approach is still susceptible to active mitm attacks. 2 factor authentication through a secure app or a trusted family member is probably also needed though i haven't tackled this part with them yet.
- chii 1y ago
  > 2 factor authentication through a secure app the problem is that the sort of emergency scenario in which family member would need the help is not often done or possible via a secured app. It's often just a telephone, with a number that you cannot recognize - imagine getting that phone call from a police station in the middle of nowhere when arrested, then you dont have access to any of your personal belongings as they're confiscated. The phone is a landline from the police station! Therefore, a verbal password is needed, as this scenario is exactly how a scammer would present as the emergency that they need help (usually, wire some dollars to this account to bail out).
IshKebab 1y ago
"Oh sorry son did we have a password? I totally forgot." This is a HN fantasy solution.
- Ylpertnodi 1y ago
  Works for me and the family. No code-word, no transfer of funds.
  - IshKebab 1y ago
    Have your parents been targeted by convincing fraudsters? It doesn't work for you; you hope it will work.
    - chii 1y ago
      It is better than not having it as a backup method. It might even trip the scammer up as they may not expect it. Not to mention that it is your responsibility as the technically minded to hammer it into your family members.

by chii 1y ago

jimjimwii 1y ago

That is more or less what i did with my parents, but this approach is still susceptible to active mitm attacks. 2 factor authentication through a secure app or a trusted family member is probably also needed though i haven't tackled this part with them yet.

chii 1y ago
> 2 factor authentication through a secure app the problem is that the sort of emergency scenario in which family member would need the help is not often done or possible via a secured app. It's often just a telephone, with a number that you cannot recognize - imagine getting that phone call from a police station in the middle of nowhere when arrested, then you dont have access to any of your personal belongings as they're confiscated. The phone is a landline from the police station! Therefore, a verbal password is needed, as this scenario is exactly how a scammer would present as the emergency that they need help (usually, wire some dollars to this account to bail out).

IshKebab 1y ago

"Oh sorry son did we have a password? I totally forgot." This is a HN fantasy solution.

Ylpertnodi 1y ago
Works for me and the family. No code-word, no transfer of funds.
- IshKebab 1y ago
  Have your parents been targeted by convincing fraudsters? It doesn't work for you; you hope it will work.
  - chii 1y ago
    It is better than not having it as a backup method. It might even trip the scammer up as they may not expect it. Not to mention that it is your responsibility as the technically minded to hammer it into your family members.