Hey there! Are you aware that AI scams have become incredibly realistic nowadays? But don’t worry, there’s a simple trick to outsmart them.
09 Sep 2026
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5 min. read
Have you heard about the rise of AI voice scams? They are no longer confined to the realm of science fiction. In fact, it’s now easier than ever for scammers to use cheap yet convincing technology to deceive people. According to a Hiya report from March, one out of every four Americans has fallen victim to a deepfake voice call in the past year. Shockingly, a quarter of them couldn’t even tell it was fake.
The study also shows that scammers seem to have the upper hand over mobile carriers when it comes to voice clone scams. But don’t lose hope just yet. Despite the impressive technology at their disposal, scammers can be stopped in their tracks with a simple yet effective technique: a pre-arranged safe word.
How do scammers use deepfakes?
It’s easy to believe that we can always recognize the voice of a loved one. However, with the rapid advancement of cloning technology, scammers can create a convincing deepfake with just a few seconds of audio. This audio can be easily gathered from our social media posts if our privacy settings are not tight enough. These scammers can also exploit work-related content that may end up online.
So, once they have a cloned voice, what’s their next move?
One of the most prevalent scams involves scammers cold calling a family member and playing a deepfake audio to make them believe their loved one has been kidnapped. To make these virtual kidnapping scams more convincing, scammers may use personal details obtained from the victim’s social media accounts. They might even monitor the victim’s social media activity or that of their family members to choose the perfect moment to strike. This tactic is especially effective when the victim is overseas and not easily reachable by phone.
The scammers’ goal is to keep the victim’s relatives anxious and distressed. They use the cloned voice sparingly, mixing it with sobbing sounds and adding background noise to create a chaotic and believable scenario.
What is a safe word?
Here’s the game-changer: agree on a safe word with your family members. This should be a simple word or phrase that your family member can request if they suspect your voice has been deepfaked. Since scammers won’t know the safe word, this strategy can thwart any attempts to deceive your family into paying a ransom.
Make sure the safe word is easy to remember yet unique. Avoid using common information that can be easily found on your social media profiles or other public sources. Stay away from using things like pet names or favorite sports teams.
How to introduce the safe word without causing panic
Introducing this approach requires a delicate balance. You don’t want to scare your family, but you also need them to understand the risks posed by advancing technology and malicious individuals.
Explain that the likelihood of needing to use the safe word is low. However, share some scenarios where requesting the safe word would be wise, such as receiving an unsettling call from someone claiming to be you and asking for money or sensitive information.
What if someone forgets the safe word?
It’s crucial to have a backup plan in case someone forgets the safe word. Encourage your family members to end the call and contact you through a known number in their address book or a pre-established group message. This will quickly confirm whether you are in trouble or not.
Alternatively, they can ask a specific question that only a family member would know the answer to. This question should not be something that can be easily researched online. Remind them never to share money or personal information if they feel something is amiss.
What to do if you’ve fallen for a deepfake scam
There’s no need to feel embarrassed. Deepfake technology is evolving rapidly, making it harder to distinguish between real and fake. If you or a family member has been scammed:
- Stop communicating with the scammer immediately
- Contact your bank to report the incident and inquire about blocking or recovering the stolen funds
- Change any compromised passwords and consider using two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security
- Keep any relevant evidence, such as phone numbers or recordings
- Report the scam to the appropriate authorities, such as the FTC or FBI IC3
Remember: scammers are persistent. Watch out for secondary scammers who may promise to retrieve your money for a fee or secure your accounts. Don’t fall for their tricks, as paying them will only worsen your situation.
FAQs
How can scammers get hold of my voice?
Scammers only need a short audio clip to create a believable voice clone. This audio could be from a work-related recording or content you shared on social media. To protect yourself, limit your social media followers to people you know.
Does a safe word really stop deepfakes?
While no method is foolproof, a safe word is a great tool for uncovering deepfake audio fraud, especially in scenarios like fake kidnappings. While it won’t prevent the creation of deepfakes, it can reduce the success rate of the ensuing scam.
What if scammers guess our safe word?
While it’s always a possibility, choosing a unique and random safe word that holds no significance outside your family circle should make it extremely difficult for scammers to guess. Nonetheless, it’s wise to have contingency plans in case such a situation arises, like agreeing to call back the person.
What should I do if I’ve been scammed?
If you’ve fallen victim to a scam, cease all communication with the scammers, notify your bank, gather evidence, change passwords, and report the incident to the appropriate authorities.
