SCAM AWARENESSAI voice cloning scams
An AI voice cloning scam is a phone call that sounds exactly like someone you love, but it is a fake. Scammers use a short recording of a real person's voice, often taken from videos posted online, and software that copies it. The cloned voice then begs for money or private information in a fake emergency.
How this scam works
The call often starts with a crying or frightened voice that sounds like your grandchild, child, or spouse. They say they were in a car wreck, were arrested, or are stuck somewhere. Then a second person, claiming to be a lawyer or police officer, takes the phone and says money is needed right away.
The caller pushes you to act fast and to keep it secret, often saying "don't tell Mom." They ask for payment that is hard to trace or reverse, such as a wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or cash handed to a courier. Some callers ask for a one-time code instead, which lets them break into an account. The pressure is meant to stop you from checking the story.
What it can look like
EXAMPLE · NOT A REAL MESSAGE"Grandma, it's me. I'm in trouble, I hit someone with the car and they arrested me. Please don't tell Dad. My lawyer is going to talk to you. I need bail money today, and he says it has to be gift cards."
Warning signs
- The voice sounds right, but the story is sudden and frightening.
- You are told to keep the call secret from other family members.
- A "lawyer" or "officer" takes over the call and asks for money.
- Payment must be gift cards, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or cash pickup.
- The caller won't let you hang up or call back.
- You are asked to read back a verification code sent to your phone.
How to protect yourself
- Hang up and call your loved one directly at a number you already have.
- Agree on a family code word that only real family members would know.
- Call another relative or friend to check the story before doing anything.
- Limit public videos and voice recordings of family members on social media.
- Never share one-time security codes with anyone who calls you.
- Remember that a familiar voice alone is not proof of who is calling.
If you already responded
- Call your bank or card company right away using the number on the back of your card and ask to stop or reverse payments.
- If you bought gift cards, contact the gift card company right away and report the fraud; keep the cards and receipts.
- If you shared a code, change that account's password and turn on two-step verification.
- Warn other family members, since scammers often call the same family again.
- Report the call to the FTC and save the phone number, time, and any messages.
Get step-by-step recovery help →
Where to report it
- FTC alert: Scammers use AI in family emergency schemes ↗
- Report fraud to the FTC ↗
- Report internet crime to the FBI (IC3) ↗
Common questions
Can scammers really copy someone's voice?
Yes. Voice cloning software can imitate a person's voice from a short audio clip, such as a video posted on social media. That is why you should never rely on the voice alone and should always call the person back at a number you know.
What is a family code word and does it help?
A code word is a private word or phrase your family agrees on ahead of time. If someone calls claiming to be a relative in trouble, ask for the code word. A scammer using a cloned voice will not know it. Keep the word off social media and do not text it around.
Would police or a lawyer ask for bail in gift cards?
No. Real courts, jails, and lawyers do not ask for bail or fees in gift cards, cryptocurrency, or cash handed to a stranger at your door. A request like that is a strong sign of a scam. Hang up and check directly with your family member or the local jail using a number you look up yourself.