Voice-clone scams: how to protect your family
Scammers can now copy a voice from a few seconds of audio. They call or send voice notes pretending to be a child, parent, boss or bank, and ask for money urgently. A family code word stops this cold.
Make your family code word
Choose a word or phrase only your family knows. If anyone calls asking for money, ask for the code word. A scammer with a cloned voice won’t know it.
Tap the button to make one
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Warning signs of a voice-clone call
- Urgent money request: an accident, an arrest, a lost phone or a bill to pay today.
- “Don’t tell anyone” or “don’t call Dad”.
- Payment by transfer to someone else’s account, gift cards or crypto.
- A new number, a bad line, or an excuse for why they can’t talk for long.
- The voice sounds right, but the story doesn’t.
What to do during the call
- Stay calm and ask for the code word.
- Hang up and call the person back on the number you already have.
- Contact another family member to check.
- Never send money or codes during that call.
Reduce the risk
- Make social media videos and voice clips private or friends-only.
- Let unknown numbers go to voicemail, then check the voicemail with our voice message checker.
- Tell older relatives about this scam. They are targeted most.
Send this warning to your family on WhatsApp
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