Imagine answering a seemingly harmless phone call, only to realize later you've unwittingly handed over your password to an AI scammer. This isn't science fiction, it's the chilling reality explored in groundbreaking new research that unveils the alarming potential of AI-powered vishing attacks. Researchers created ViKing, a sophisticated AI system that can mimic human conversations with startling accuracy. In a controlled experiment involving 240 participants, ViKing successfully extracted sensitive information like passwords and social security numbers from a staggering 52% of unsuspecting individuals. Even those explicitly warned about vishing fell victim, with a 33% success rate. What makes ViKing so effective? It leverages the power of large language models (LLMs) to understand and respond to conversations in real-time, creating a convincing illusion of human interaction. This AI can even improvise, fabricating names, backstories, and contact details on the fly to maintain its deceptive facade. While the experiment used a simulated scenario, the implications are real. As AI technology becomes more accessible, so too does the potential for malicious use. The study also revealed that the more participants knew about vishing risks, the less likely they were to disclose sensitive information, reinforcing the critical need for robust cybersecurity awareness training. But even with heightened vigilance, a significant number of individuals still fell prey to ViKing’s sophisticated tactics, highlighting the importance of developing new defense mechanisms against AI-driven social engineering. This research serves as a stark warning about the evolving landscape of cybercrime. As AI blurs the lines between human and machine, we must remain vigilant, questioning who's really on the other end of the line.