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AI voice-cloning scams

By the Scampilot team · Last updated

Scammers clone the voice of a child, grandchild, partner or boss from a few seconds of audio (social media clips are enough) and call or send voice messages: the "relative" is in an accident, in custody or stranded and needs money transferred right now. The voice sounds real - that is the whole trick. Verify by calling back on the person's known number or using a family code word.

Warning signs

  • A call or voice message in a familiar voice demanding money urgently and secretly.
  • Excuses why they cannot be called back or video-called ("phone broken", "no credit").
  • The "voice" pushes you to wire money, buy gift cards or pay in crypto immediately.
  • Background drama (crying, sirens, an "officer" taking over the call) to stop you thinking.

Example

Voice message: "Mum, it's me - you recognise my voice, right? I had an accident and my phone is broken, I can only send voice messages right now. Please send the money now, I'll explain everything later."

Made-up example - not a real message.

How to protect yourself

  1. 01Hang up and call the person back on the number you have saved for them - always.
  2. 02Agree a family code word for emergencies that an AI clone cannot know.
  3. 03Ask a question only the real person can answer; do not accept "no time to explain".
  4. 04A convincing voice proves nothing any more - treat voice alone like an unknown caller.

Already caught out?

  1. 01Call your bank immediately to try to stop or recall the transfer.
  2. 02Report it to the police and tell them the voice was likely AI-cloned.
  3. 03Warn the person whose voice was cloned and your family, and agree a code word now.

Sources

Related guides

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