Scammers use AI voice cloning and panicked middle-of-the-night phone calls to target families. They impersonate grandchildren claiming urgent legal trouble and demanding immediate wire transfers or gift cards.
Defeating emergency voice impersonation relies on a simple verification protocol. Hang up immediately when receiving an urgent money request, then call your relative directly on a saved phone number.
Establishing a private family security code word or secret verification question defeats voice cloning instantly. Scammers cannot answer pre-arranged personal questions regardless of voice technology.
If targeted, report the incident immediately at reportfraud.ftc.gov or ic3.gov to assist law enforcement.
What code word or verification question does your family use for urgent calls?
