The Voice on the Phone Might Not Be Who You Think

Photo source: iStock

Imagine getting a call from someone who sounds exactly like your grandchild. They are frightened, speaking quickly, and claiming they have been in an accident or landed in trouble. They need money immediately, and they beg you not to tell anyone.

Your first instinct may be to help. That is precisely what makes AI voice-cloning scams so unsettling. Scammers can use recordings of someone’s voice to create convincing imitations, then use them in calls or voice messages designed to provoke panic. Netsafe has warned that artificial intelligence is making impersonation scams more convincing.

The request might involve an urgent bank transfer, money for bail, help with a hospital bill, or payment to someone who supposedly cannot use their own account. Sometimes another person takes over the call, claiming to be a police officer, lawyer, or hospital employee who can explain the situation.

The danger is not simply that the voice sounds real. It is that the caller pressures you to act before you have time to think. They may insist that the situation is confidential, discourage you from calling other relatives, or demand payment through an unusual method.

Have a family verification plan before an emergency happens. Agree on a simple question that a genuine family member should be able to answer, or establish a separate family contact you can call to confirm an urgent story. A shared code word can help, although it should never replace independent verification.

If you receive a frightening call, pause before sending money. Hang up and call the person back using the number already saved in your contacts. If they cannot answer, contact another trusted relative directly. Do not rely on a number supplied by the caller or on the voice alone.

Be careful about recordings you share publicly, too. Videos, social media posts, and voice messages can provide material that scammers may misuse.

If you think you have been targeted, contact your bank immediately if money or banking information was involved. You can also seek advice or report the incident to Netsafe.

Technology can imitate a familiar voice, but it cannot remove the need to verify a story. When a call creates panic and demands immediate payment, taking a few minutes to confirm the facts may be the most important decision you make.