How to Recognise an AI Voice Scam

Photo source: TNS

Imagine receiving a phone call that sounds exactly like your child or grandchild. They tell you they’ve been in an accident, lost their wallet, or urgently need money. Your first instinct is to help. That’s exactly what scammers are counting on.

AI technology can now imitate a person’s voice using just a short audio recording taken from a video or social media post. While these scams are still developing, they are becoming more convincing, making it important to pause before reacting.

The biggest warning sign is urgency. The caller may insist that you act immediately, ask you not to tell anyone, or request that you transfer money or buy gift cards. They may even claim their phone has been damaged and that they’re calling from someone else’s number.

If something doesn’t feel right, stop the conversation. Hang up and contact your family member using the phone number you already have saved, rather than the one that called you. If you can’t reach them straight away, try another relative or close friend before taking any action.

It’s also worth agreeing on a family password or phrase that only your closest relatives know. If you ever receive a suspicious call, asking for that password can quickly reveal whether you’re really speaking to the person you think you are.

Be careful about the personal information you share online as well. Public videos and voice recordings can provide material for scammers to copy. You don’t need to stop using social media, but reviewing your privacy settings and thinking carefully about what you post can reduce your risk.

Anyone can be caught off guard by a call that seems to come from someone they love. The best defence is to slow down, verify the story, and remember that genuine emergencies will still be emergencies after you’ve taken a moment to check the facts. A few extra minutes could protect both your savings and your peace of mind.