AI and Human Cooperation Shatters Abhorrent $1 Million Scheme
The discovery of an audio fraud scheme has sent shockwaves through the technology world. This scheme, now known as the "FM Scam," marks the second major fraud targeting audio ad spending. The identification and resolution of this scheme were accomplished through the powerful partnership of AI and human expertise.
The FM Scam Unveiled
At its peak in March 2024, the FM Scam affected over $1 million in monthly audio ad spending, significantly disrupting the industry.
On May 7, 2024, DoubleVerify (DV) identified and neutralized the fraudulent practice known as the FM Scam. The scam involved falsifying audio traffic data using dedicated servers that imitated a vast array of audio playback devices. This allowed the perpetrators to blend their fraudulent traffic with legitimate data, evading detection by anti-fraud systems. At its height, the scam simulated up to 500,000 devices.
AI's Role in Mitigating the FM Scam
DV's anti-fraud division, the "Fraud Lab," noticed similarities between the FM Scam and a CTV scheme uncovered in 2019. A key factor in identifying the scam was the matching IP addresses between the two schemes. The Fraud Lab swiftly halted the FM Scam and has since been using a combination of human analysis and AI-powered technology to prevent future occurrences.
According to DV, the scam was capable of generating up to 100 million ad requests monthly, illustrating its vast scale and potential for damage.
About DoubleVerify
DoubleVerify is a leading platform for digital media data, analytics, and measurement. Founded in 2008, the company recently reported a quarterly net income of $7.2 million. DV aims to strengthen, secure, and safeguard the digital advertising ecosystem, and their handling of the FM Scam aligns with their mission and values.
The Future of AI and Human Collaboration
In the tech world, the collaboration between AI and humans is proving to be transformative. DoubleVerify's success in dismantling the FM Scam highlights the effectiveness of this partnership. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial for AI and humans to work together to combat fraud. While the future of AI may seem uncertain, ethical collaboration between humans and AI promises significant benefits for society.