What If That Voice Isn’t Real?

 But what if that voice isn't real?

It sounds like science fiction, but it's happening today. Scammers can take just a few seconds of audio from a social media video, a voicemail, or even by getting you to say “hello” on a call—and use artificial intelligence to create a convincing clone of a loved one’s voice.

This is the new face of the family emergency scam, and it’s more convincing than ever.

What Are the Signs of an AI Voice Cloning Scam?

While the technology is advanced, there are red flags you can look out for:

• Extreme urgency
  The caller pressures you to act immediately, using fear or panic to shut down your critical thinking.
  
• An unusual or dramatic story
  The situation may feel extreme or out of character. Scammers rely on shock to keep you from questioning details.
  
• A call from an unknown number
  Even if the voice sounds familiar, be cautious if the number isn’t one you recognize.
  
• Strange audio quality or speech patterns
  The voice may sound slightly robotic, include unnatural pauses, or lack normal background noise.
  
• Avoiding personal questions
  If you ask something only your loved one would know, the caller may hesitate, deflect, or try to rush you.
  
• Specific payment demands
  Requests for wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards are a major warning sign. These methods are hard to trace—and scammers know it.
  
  

How to Protect Yourself

The best defense against these scams is preparation—and staying calm when emotions run high.

Verify the caller
If something feels off, hang up. Then call the person back using the number saved in your contacts. This simple step can stop a scam instantly.

Create a family safe word
Agree on a code word with close family and friends. In an emergency, asking for it can quickly confirm whether the call is real.

Don’t answer unknown numbers
Let unfamiliar calls go to voicemail. This also prevents scammers from capturing your voice when you answer.

Be mindful of what you share online
Public videos and voice clips can be used to train AI tools. Review privacy settings and think twice before posting content that includes clear audio.

Protecting your family today means protecting them from digital threats, not just physical ones. Verify the call, ask questions, and call back. Staying calm is one of the most powerful ways to keep the people you love safe.

How can Truecaller help? 

Truecaller offers more than just our renowned Caller ID and spam-blocking features; we provide a fortress against fraud. Our technology helps you identify unknown calls and messages, allowing you to block scam attempts proactively, by both calls and texts. 

At Truecaller we have made it our mission to build trust in communication. We do our best to help you navigate a world where fraud and unwanted communication are a part of your daily life. Stay updated about recent scams, and watch the latest YouTube videos on how you and the 450 million-strong community of people using Truecaller every month can stay protected. You'll find us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.