AI Voice Cloning & Deepfake Video
The voice on the phone sounds just like your grandchild — but it's AI
Scammers use AI technology to clone the voices (and now video faces) of your loved ones. They gather audio from social media posts, family videos, and voice messages.
What to Watch For
- Voice sounds slightly "off" — too smooth, robotic edge, or unusual pauses
- Background noise on the call used to mask AI artifacts
- Immediate request for money combined with "don't tell anyone"
- Refusal to video chat (or a video chat that also looks slightly unnatural)
- Call comes from a number you don't recognize, even if the voice is familiar
Examples
""A voicemail arrives from an unfamiliar number. The voice sounds exactly like your son: 'Hi Mom, I'm in trouble. I borrowed this phone. I need $500 for a hotel. Please call me back on this number. Don't tell Dad.'""
Why it works: Hearing your child's voice triggers an emotional response before rational thinking kicks in. The cloned voice is convincing enough to pass in a brief message, especially when you're already worried.
What to Do
Establish a family code word that only real family members know. If you get an emergency call from an unknown number, hang up and call the person directly on their known number. Remember: a convincing voice is no longer proof of identity.