How To Spot An AI Voice-Cloning Scam

Scammers can copy a loved one's voice from a short clip online, then call you claiming to be in trouble and needing money fast. The voice can sound exactly right. If a call asks for urgent money and secrecy, hang up and ring that person back on the number you already have.

Advice is based on guidance from the US FTC and FCC.

How Does A Voice-Cloning Scam Work?

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) explains that a scammer only needs a short recording of someone's voice, perhaps from a video on social media, plus a voice-cloning program.

They call you sounding like your grandson, daughter or friend. There has been an accident, an arrest or a lost wallet abroad, and they need money right now. Sometimes a second person comes on the line pretending to be a lawyer, a police officer or a doctor.

The scam works because the voice sounds real and the story is frightening. Fear makes it hard to think clearly. That is exactly what the scammer wants.

What Are The Warning Signs?

• An emergency, and they need money today.
• They ask you to keep it secret, often "don't tell Mum and Dad".
• They want payment by bank transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, a payment app or cash collected by a courier.
• The call comes from a new or hidden number.
• A "lawyer", "police officer" or "doctor" takes over the call.
• The line is poor, or they say they are crying or hurt, so the voice is hard to judge.

What Should I Do If I Get A Call Like This?

1. Don't trust the voice, even if it sounds exactly right.
2. Hang up. It is not rude. A real family member will understand.
3. Call them back on the number you already have saved for them, not a number the caller gives you.
4. Can't reach them? Call another family member or friend, even though the caller said to keep it secret.
5. Ask a question only the real person would know, such as the name of a childhood pet. Don't use anything that's on social media.
6. Never send money until you have confirmed the story yourself.

Something to say: "I'm going to hang up and call you straight back on your usual number." A scammer will try to stop you. A real person won't.

How Do I Set Up A Family Safe Word?

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) suggests agreeing a safe word with your family ahead of time. If a caller can't give it, treat the call as a scam.

1. Choose a word or short phrase nobody could guess from social media. Avoid pets' names, birthdays and team names.
2. Agree it face to face or on a call you started yourself, not by text or email.
3. Tell everyone who might call you for help, including grandchildren.
4. Don't write it anywhere online, and don't say it on social media.
5. Ask for it whenever someone calls asking for money, even if you are sure it's them.

How Can I Make My Voice Harder To Copy?

You don't need to stop sharing family videos. A few small steps help:

• Set social media accounts to private, so only friends can see videos.
• Think twice before posting videos where you or your grandchildren talk at length.
• If an unknown caller asks you to say "yes" or talk for a while, it's fine to hang up.

Where Do I Report A Voice-Cloning Scam?

Not sure about a message rather than a call? Use our Is this a scam? checklist.

Common Questions

New to all this? Our free AI Starter Guide walks you through the basics, and you can print it.

Sources

Last checked 16 October 2026.

• FTC: Scammers use AI to enhance their family emergency schemes
• FTC: Scammers use fake emergencies to steal your money
• FCC: 'Grandparent' scams get more sophisticated
• Bank of England: hang up and dial 159 to reach your bank
• Report Fraud (UK): contact us