AI-Generated Voice Scams on the Rise: How to Protect Yourself from Deepfake Fraud

One in four Americans has received a deepfake voice call in the past year, according to a March survey. Scammers increasingly use cloned voices to impersonate kidnapped relatives, but security experts recommend using a pre-arranged code word as an effective defense mechanism.

What is AI-Generated Voice Fraud (Deepfake)?

Deepfake fraud involves using AI technology to clone a person's voice for fraudulent purposes. As the technology has become cheaper and more sophisticated, it has become easier for scammers to execute these attacks.

Common Tactics

The most prevalent scam involves falsely claiming that a family member has been kidnapped and demanding ransom. Scammers typically:

Clone a family member's voice using AI and play it briefly during the call
Mix in sounds of crying and background noise to make it sound authentic and chaotic
Use personal information obtained from social media to increase credibility
Keep victims confused and emotionally distressed to prevent rational decision-making

How to Recognize and Protect Yourself

Most Effective Method: Pre-Arranged Code Word

The simplest and most effective defense is establishing a security word with your family in advance.

Agree on an easy-to-remember code word with all family members
Ask any caller claiming to be a relative to state the code word
This instantly exposes deepfake calls
Have a backup plan in case someone forgets the word

Alternative Verification Methods

End the call and immediately dial your family member using a number saved in your contacts
Send a message to an existing family group chat to verify the situation

If You Become a Victim

Stop communicating with the scammer immediately
Contact your bank to explain the situation and ask if the transferred funds can be blocked or recovered
Change passwords for any potentially compromised accounts
Activate two-factor authentication (2FA) and use strong, unique passwords stored in a password manager
Preserve all evidence, including phone numbers and call recordings
Report the fraud to the appropriate authorities in your country