AI Voice Impersonation Scams
A call uses an artificial-intelligence voice that sounds like a family member, asking for urgent help or money.
How the scam works
Scammers can use short clips of a person's voice, sometimes taken from social media, to generate a convincing fake voice.
The AI-generated voice calls claiming to be a family member in an emergency, similar to a grandparent scam.
The realistic voice is used to create urgency and discourage you from stopping to verify the story.
Common warning signs
- The call asks for money, gift cards, or wire transfers urgently.
- You are told not to hang up or tell other family members.
- The connection sounds slightly off, robotic, or delayed, even if the voice sounds familiar.
- The caller avoids specific personal details only the real family member would know.
What to do
- Hang up and call your family member back directly using a number you already have.
- Ask a question only the real person would know the answer to, using a separate call or message.
- Agree on a family “safe word” in advance to use during real emergencies.
What not to do
- Do not send money based on a voice alone, even if it sounds exactly right.
- Do not stay on the same call to “verify” — hang up and call back independently.
- Do not keep the situation secret from other family members.
Example message
Unknown
Mom, it's me. I've been in an accident and I need you to send money right now. Please don't hang up.
Never call a phone number contained in a suspicious message. Instead, use the official phone number printed on your card, statement, or the organization's official website.
When to contact Senior Signal
If a call sounds like a loved one asking for urgent money, contact Senior Signal before sending anything.