Safety & Security
Imagine getting a call from your wife, child, parent, or close friend. They sound worried and tell you they're in trouble. They need money right away to get out of a tough situation. Of course, you would rush to help, as anyone would in that situation.
But what if we told you the voice on the phone wasn't real? That it was fake and made to sound like someone you know and love? That's exactly how a new type of scam that's been spreading lately works. Using artificial intelligence (AI), scammers can now clone voices and use them to trick you into sending money.
What is a voice cloning scam?
It’s a type of digital fraud where scammers use AI to copy the voice of someone close to you, like a family member or friend. The imitation is usually very convincing.
In some cases, scammers make up an emergency and use fear or panic to make you believe your loved one is in trouble. Because the voice sounds just like them, it can be hard to tell if it's real or fake, which can lead you to act quickly without thinking.
How do scammers get the voice?
The answer is simpler than you think. Scammers only need a few seconds of a voice recording to clone someone's voice using AI.
With the widespread use of social media, many people share their voices online through videos, voice notes, and online stories. All scammers need is that short recording. They then use AI tools available online, some of which are free or very cheap, to create a highly accurate copy of the voice.
Why is this type of scam so effective?
Simply put, because we trust the voices of the people we love. If you hear your child asking for help, you don't stop to question it. You react out of love and fear and make quick decisions. That's what scammers depend on. They use your emotions to get money before you have a chance to stop and check what's really going on.
How can you protect yourself?
Even if the call sounds convincing, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself.
1. Look out for warning signs
If you get a call, pay attention to anything that seems off. Long pauses or strange sound quality could mean the voice is pre-recorded or generated by AI.
2. Make sure the caller is really who they say they are
Always check the caller's identity to avoid falling for a voice cloning scam. Even if the voice sounds familiar or the number looks right, don't assume it's real. Call the person back using the number you have saved or contact them another way to confirm.
3. Be careful with urgent requests
Scammers usually try to rush you so you don't have time to think. Don't share sensitive information or send money right away. Take a moment to make sure the person really is who they say they are.
4. Question anything that seems unusual
If the caller asks for something unexpected, especially personal information or money, be careful. It might not match how the real person would normally act.
5. Use a code word
Agree on a code word with your family and friends that you can use in emergencies or if a call seems suspicious. The real person will know this word, which can help you spot a scam. You can also ask questions only someone close to you would know how to answer.
6. Be careful what you share on social media
Limit how much of your voice you share online, especially if your accounts are public. Scammers can use your voice from posts to copy it and pretend to be you.
7. Protect your personal information
Never share sensitive details like your bank account number, national ID, or passwords over the phone, especially if you didn't make the call or if the call feels suspicious.
8. Stay updated on new scams
Follow the news and updates about voice scams and cyber security threats. The more you know, the easier it is to spot red flags and protect yourself.
As AI continues to develop, it's important to stay aware and careful. Don't let emotions take over without checking the facts, and never send money unless you're completely sure the call is real. Remember, just because a voice sounds like someone you love doesn't mean it's really them.
