Protect Yourself from Voice-Cloning Scams: What You Need to Know

Picture this: You get a phone call that sounds like it’s coming from your grandchild, sibling, or best friend. Their voice is shaky, and they say they’re in trouble. Maybe they’ve been in an accident or need help right away. Your heart races because it sounds just like them.

But what if it isn’t?

Scammers are now using artificial intelligence (AI) to mimic voices, so well that it can fool even the most careful listener. All they need is a small voice clip, maybe from social media or a voicemail, and AI can create a voice that sounds exactly like someone you love.

What’s a Voice-Cloning Scam?

Voice-cloning scams use AI technology to copy a person’s voice. The scammer might call and pretend to be someone you care about, claiming they’re in a crisis. They may claim to be stuck overseas, in jail, or needing money for an emergency. The goal is to get you to send money fast, often through hard-to-trace methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.

It’s designed to catch you off guard and play on your emotions.

How to Spot the Red Flags

Even if the voice sounds real, here are signs that something’s not right:

• The caller claims to need money immediately and pressures you to act fast.
• They ask you to keep it a secret or not call anyone else.
• They want the money sent in unusual ways, like gift cards or wire transfers.
• The situation feels urgent, and makes you feel a sense of panic.

How to Stay Safe

Set up a family passcode.
Pick a word or phrase that only your close family or trusted friends know — something simple like “blue canoe” or “apple pie.” If you ever get a call about an emergency, ask for the passcode. If they can’t provide it, hang up.

Take a moment to pause.
Scammers count on you acting on emotion. Stop, breathe, and think it through before sending money.

Verify the story.
Hang up and call your loved one directly using a phone number you know is theirs.

Be cautious online.
Limit how much personal information, including voice recordings, is shared publicly on social media.

Final Thoughts from Front Royal Credit Union

A quick chat with your loved ones today about setting up a family passcode could help protect you from losing money or falling victim to fraud tomorrow. Remember: when something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and give us a call. We’re always here to help keep you, your family, and your finances safe.

If you have questions or concerns about fraud prevention, contact our team at (540) 635-7133.

Posted by Amanda Thomas in Fraud and Scams.