Resources · Scam alert
How to spot a voice-cloning scam call
Scammers can now copy a loved one's voice with AI. Here's how the call usually goes, and the simple steps that stop it.
Your phone rings and it's your grandson, crying. He's been in an accident, or arrested, and needs money right now. Please don't tell Mom. It sounds exactly like him. It may not be.
With a few seconds of someone's voice from a video or voicemail, AI tools can now copy how they sound. Scammers use these cloned voices to make old family-emergency scams far more convincing.
Warning signs
- A loved one in trouble who needs money immediately
- Pressure to keep it secret, especially from other family members
- Payment by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or a courier picking up cash
- A second person, like a "lawyer" or "police officer," taking over the call
- A call from an unknown number, or one that seems to come from a known number but sounds rushed and odd
What to do
- Hang up. It's not rude; it's safe.
- Call the person back on the number you already have for them, or call another family member to check.
- Agree on a family code word ahead of time that a real caller would know.
- Ask a question only the real person could answer, like something from a family memory.
- Never pay with gift cards, wires or cryptocurrency because of a phone call.
If you already paid
Act quickly. Call your bank or card company, report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and let your local police know. If you shared passwords or banking details, we can help you secure your accounts: call or text (720) 900-1010.
Learn more in person
Fixila Academy offers free classes on spotting AI scams and deepfakes for senior communities and libraries. See senior classes.