Three Seconds Is All It Takes
Your voice is now a password you can’t change.
AI voice cloning has become good enough that a short recording of your voice can potentially be used to create convincing fake calls and messages. The FBI specifically warns that criminals use AI generated voices to impersonate family members and access financial accounts.
And the scary part?
You may hear the voice of someone you love — and it may not be them.
“Dad, I’ve had an accident. I need money. Please help me.”
The voice sounds perfect.
That’s the point.
Don’t Trust The Voice
If a call involves:
- An emergency
- Money
- Account details
- A verification code
- Secrecy
- Pressure to act immediately
Stop. Hang up. Verify independently.
Call the person back using the number already saved in your phone.
Don’t use the number they give you.
Set A Family Safe Word
This is the simple bit.
Pick a word or phrase that only your family knows.
If someone calls claiming to be in trouble, ask for the safe word.
No safe word?
No money. No action. Verify first.
The FBI and US Federal Trade Commission both recommend establishing a secret family word or phrase specifically to help defeat AI voice impersonation scams.
It costs nothing.
Takes five minutes.
And one day, it might save someone you love from making a very expensive mistake.
Go set yours up today.
