AI voice scams: how a cloned voice of a loved one is used to steal money
Quick answer
A panicked call from a relative asking for money may be a scammer using a cloned voice. Hang up and ring the person back on a number you know. The FTC says scammers can clone a voice from a short audio clip, so don't trust the voice alone, even if it sounds exactly like them.
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How it works
This is a family emergency scam with a new tool. Someone calls or messages saying they're a relative or close friend in trouble and needs money now. Some scammers use artificial intelligence to clone the loved one's voice. The FTC says that with a short audio clip, maybe from content posted online, and a voice-cloning program, a scammer can sound just like your family member.
The scammer may already know your name, where you live and other details from social media or a hacked email account. They may pose as an authority figure such as a lawyer, police officer or doctor.
The pattern is the same each time: it's urgent, you're the only one who can help and you must keep it secret. They want payment by wire transfer, crypto, a payment app or gift card codes.
Red flags
- A call from a relative or friend in sudden trouble who needs money straight away
- A voice that sounds right, but the number is new or unknown
- Being told to keep it secret from the rest of the family
- Pressure to send money before you can check
- A "lawyer" or "police officer" joining the call
- A request to pay by wire, crypto, payment app or gift card
Example message
Mum, it's me. I've had an accident and I'm at the police station. I can't talk long. Please don't tell anyone. A lawyer is going to call you on [phone number] and you need to send the money today.
What to do
- 1
Pause and hang up
Resist the pressure to send money. Hang up, or say you'll call right back.
- 2
Call the person on a number you know
Ring or message your relative or friend using the number you already have, and ask if they're really in trouble.
- 3
Ask a question only they would know
If you don't want to hang up, ask something a scammer couldn't answer, like "What kind of dog do you have?" The FTC suggests this.
- 4
Call someone else in the family
Do this even if the caller said to keep it secret. A trusted person can help work out whether the story is true.
- 5
If you sent money
Contact your bank or the payment company right away, tell them it was fraud and ask them to stop the payment. The sooner you act, the better.
- 6
Agree a family code word
A word only your family knows gives you a fast way to check a call that sounds real.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Scammers rarely guess. Names, phone numbers, email addresses and home addresses are sold by data brokers, listed on people-search sites such as Spokeo, and leaked in breaches, which is how a message can reach you with your name already on it. Serus finds the brokers that list you and removes your listings, and alerts you when your details turn up in a breach, so fewer scammers can build a convincing message about you. If you've already shared details, our guide on what to do after a data breach covers the next steps.
Frequently asked
Can scammers really clone a voice?
Yes. The FTC says that with a short audio clip and a voice-cloning program, a scammer could call you and sound just like your family member.
How can I check if the call is real?
Hang up and call the person on a number you know is right. Or ask a question only the real person could answer.
Why do they say to keep it secret?
The FTC says scammers don't want you talking to other family members or friends and realising it's a scam.
How do I report it?
In the US, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and your state attorney general. In the UK, report it to Action Fraud.
Sources
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