How to spot AI voice-cloning scam calls
The phone rings. It sounds exactly like your grandson. He's crying, he's in trouble, and he needs money now. It might not be him at all.
How the trick works
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that a scammer needs only a short audio clip of someone's voice, which can come from videos posted online, plus a voice-cloning program. Then they call you sounding like your loved one. The FBI warned in December 2024 that criminals use AI-made audio to fake a relative "in a crisis situation" and ask for money or a ransom.
5 steps that protect you
- Pick a family code word. The FBI recommends you "create a secret word or phrase with your family to verify their identity." Agree on it in person, and never post it.
- Don't trust the voice. Hang up and call back on a number you know is theirs. If you can't reach them, call another family member or a friend (FTC).
- Watch how they want to be paid. Wire transfers, cryptocurrency and gift cards (with the numbers and PINs read out to them) are classic warning signs (FTC).
- Listen for odd wording or tone. The FBI says to pay close attention to tone and word choice.
- Keep your family's voices less public. The FBI suggests setting social media accounts to private.
Same trick, different callers
The FBI says criminals also fake voices of banks and officials. If "your bank" calls, hang up and call the number on the back of your card.
Report it
Report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the FBI at ic3.gov. You won't be in trouble, and reports help stop the next one.
Tonight's homework: call your family and agree on a code word. It takes two minutes.