How Scammers Use Voice Cloning and AI

New Twist on an Old Scam: The Grandparent Scam

The grandparent scam is an old trick where scammers pose as a grandchild in trouble and ask for money. Often, they will claim to need funds for bail money, legal fees, or medical expenses. However, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns of a new twist that makes this scam even more convincing.

AI and Voice Cloning: A New Dangerous Tool

With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), scammers can now clone voices. They capture an audio clip of the grandchild from social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram and use AI to mimic the grandchild’s voice. This technology allows them to more easily deceive unsuspecting grandparents.

How to Protect Yourself

If you receive such a call from a relative asking for money, do not immediately comply. Instead, call them back on a known number to verify the story. Remember, another significant red flag is if they ask you to buy gift cards or cryptocurrency as a form of payment—this is almost always a scam.

Keywords

Grandparent scam
Artificial intelligence
Voice cloning
FTC warning
Social media
Verification
Gift cards
Cryptocurrency

FAQ

Q: What is the grandparent scam?
A: It's a scam where fraudsters pose as a grandchild in trouble and ask for money, often citing emergencies like bail money or legal expenses.

Q: How do scammers use AI in the grandparent scam?
A: Scammers can now use AI to clone voices by capturing audio clips from social media. This makes their deception more convincing.

Q: What should I do if I get a suspicious call from a relative asking for money?
A: Call the relative back on a known number to verify the story. If they're asking for payment in gift cards or cryptocurrency, it's a significant warning sign of a scam.