AI voice-clone scams: set a family code word

AI tools can now copy someone's voice from a short recording: a TikTok video, a YouTube clip, a voice message. Scammers use cloned voices to make calls that sound like a family member in trouble.

How the scam works

1. The scammer gets a sample of a child's or parent's voice from social media or a voice message.
2. They call a family member, often a parent or grandparent, using the cloned voice.
3. The "child" is crying, panicking: there's been an accident, they've been arrested, they've been kidnapped.
4. Another person takes the phone and demands urgent payment, often by e-wallet or bank transfer.
5. The victim is told not to hang up or call anyone.

Variations target children too: a call that sounds like a parent asking them to send a verification code, share a password, or go somewhere.

Why it works

• Panic switches off careful thinking.
• The voice sounds real.
• Scammers create urgency and secrecy.
• Caller ID can be faked.

Set a family code word

Agree on a family code word or question that only your family knows. Something easy to remember but not posted online: not a pet's name, birthday or school.

If anyone calls claiming to be family in an emergency, ask for the code word. A scammer won't know it.

Teach your children: if someone calls sounding like Mama or Papa and asks for codes, money or to go somewhere, ask for the code word.

Other steps

• Hang up and call back on the number you know, even if the caller says not to.
• Contact other family members to check where the person is.
• Never send money or codes under pressure.
• Limit public voice and video of children on public accounts.
• Tell grandparents and relatives about this scam. Older relatives are often targeted.

If you've been targeted

• Don't send money. If you already did, contact your bank or e-wallet immediately.
• Report to the CICC (1326).
• Warn your family group chat.

See also scams that target kids.