26
September
Criminals now use artificial intelligence to copy a person’s voice from short clips posted online. The fake voice calls a relative with an urgent story and asks for money.
By the numbers
Americans lost more than $893 million to AI-related scams in 2025, including voice-cloning schemes, according to FBI figures reported by CNN (CNN, 2026).
How the scam works
- The scammer collects voice samples from social media videos or past calls.
- AI software builds a copy of the voice.
- A call arrives with a fake emergency, such as an arrest or accident, and a demand for fast payment (CNN, 2026).
Protect your family
- Pick a family code word. Keep the word offline and ask for the word on any emergency call.
- Hang up and call back. Use the number already saved in your phone.
- Watch for pressure. Urgency, secrecy, and gift card or wire requests are warning signs.
- Limit public voice clips. Review privacy settings on social media accounts.
The Federal Trade Commission collects reports at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (Federal Trade Commission, 2024).
References
- CNN. (2026, May 29). AI ‘voice cloning’ scams are on the rise. Here’s how to protect yourself. CNN.
- Federal Trade Commission. (2024, April). Fighting back against harmful voice cloning. Consumer Advice.
