How to Protect Yourself from AI Voice Cloning Scams

AI voice cloning scams can pressure you into sending a fraudster money. Learn how to prevent this from happening to you.

Someone holding a smartphone displaying a scam alert message on an incoming call screen.

AI technology is evolving, and unfortunately, so are scammers. These scammers can use AI to pretend to be someone you know, and trick you into sending them money. Learn how to protect yourself from this scam. 

How AI Voice Cloning Scams Work

Imagine receiving a phone call from a loved one. When you pick up, you hear their voice urgently asking for help. They claim they have been in an accident, arrested, or that they’re stuck abroad with no way to get home. Then, your loved one frantically asks you to send them money immediately. It happens fast, and you’re too stressed to think clearly. 

However, the voice you’re hearing isn’t real – it’s an AI imitation. Scammers are now using AI to clone voices. They can do this using your social media posts, videos or voice messages, and they only need a small sample to make a near perfect imitation. These scams rely on panic. In such a quick and stressful situation, you’re less likely to question if the call is real. 

Common Warning Signs

These AI scams can be scary. Luckily, there are some red flags you can look out for. 

  1. Urgency: Fraudsters will pressure you to act fast, which causes panic and clouds your judgement. If the caller is pushing you to send them money without a moment to verify the situation, be cautious and question if the call is genuine.
  2. Suspicious Requests: If the request seems unusual, pause to assess the situation. Would your loved one usually ask you to send them money in this way? Be wary of requests for wire transfers, cryptocurrency or gift cards. Scammers ask for these methods because they are untraceable, and you won’t be able to get your money back. Additionally, don’t give out any personal information and be suspicious if the caller asks for it.
  3. No Outside Contact: The scammer might demand that you stay on the line, and that you don’t contact anyone else. Scammers do this because the longer you stay on the call, the longer they can prevent you from verifying it.

How to Avoid AI Voice Cloning Scams

If a call seems unusual, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself.

  1. Verify the Call: Hang up the call and contact your loved one directly, either by calling them or reaching out using another platform. If you are in a situation that might be an AI voice scam, stay calm and don’t be afraid to take a moment to verify.
  2. Designate a Family Code Word: Choose a code word that only you and your loved ones would know. This is a good way to verify a caller’s identity in an emergency.
  3. Don’t Answer to Unknown Numbers: Be cautious of answering calls from unsaved numbers. If the caller is someone you know or if it’s something important, they will leave a voicemail.
  4. Private Your Social Media: Scammers can use video clips of you taken from your social media to clone your voice. Privating your social media accounts makes sure that scammers can’t access this information. Assess if you have any content of you online, and take steps to protect it.

If you are a victim of an AI voice cloning scam, report it to the FTC and contact your bank as soon as possible.  

The information provided in these articles is intended for informational purposes only. It is not to be construed as the opinion of Central Bancompany, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and does not imply endorsement or support of any of the mentioned information, products, services, or providers. All information presented is without any representation, guaranty, or warranty regarding the accuracy, relevance, or completeness of the information.