Is That Really Your Mom on the Phone? How to Outsmart AI Voice Scam

Let’s say your phone rings. It's your daughter, and she’s panicked—there’s been an accident. She needs money fast. Except… It’s not her.

Thanks to AI, scammers can now clone voices—and even faces—with startling accuracy. All they need is a snippet of audio or video, often pulled from a social media post or a voicemail, and suddenly, they sound like someone you trust.

These AI-generated voice and video “deepfakes” are being used in a new wave of scams that prey on urgency and emotion. A call from your boss asking for sensitive information. A FaceTime from a friend saying they’re stranded and need cash. When the voice sounds right, your brain doesn't question it until it's too late.

How the Scam Works

This isn’t science fiction anymore. With just 30 seconds of footage, AI can clone a voice or face well enough to fool even close family members. Scammers are using these tools to create fake emergencies that push people into fast decisions—wiring money, revealing passwords, or granting access to private information.

The Best Defense? A Safe Word.

One of the simplest ways to protect yourself and your loved ones is by using a safe word—a pre-agreed code only you and your inner circle know. In any urgent or suspicious situation, asking for that word can help you confirm who you're really talking to.

And it’s not just for families.

• Coworkers can use safe words for confirming sensitive work requests.

• Elderly adults and caregivers can use them to block impersonation scams.

• Friends, roommates, or travel buddies can create one for emergencies.

• Online communities that handle private data can benefit too.

How to Set Up a Safe Word System

• Pick something unique. Avoid birthdays, pet names, or anything obvious. Inside jokes work—if they’re truly inside.

• Keep it private. Share it securely, not over text or social media.

• Tailor it to the group. Don’t use the same safe word with everyone. A work team’s code shouldn’t be the same as your family’s.

• Test it. A quick check-in every few months helps people remember. It doesn’t have to be serious—turn it into a game.

Extra Safety Checks

Even with a safe word, it's smart to layer your defenses:

• Call back. Use a known number in your contacts instead of responding on the same line.

• Switch to video. It’s harder to fake both audio and video convincingly, though not impossible.

• Ask something only they’d know. A shared memory or specific detail can help confirm who’s really there.

Stay Calm, Stay Smart

AI scams are getting more sophisticated, but staying safe doesn’t have to be complicated. A safe word is low-tech, easy to remember, and surprisingly effective. It puts a bit of friction back into a world that’s moving too fast—and that’s a good thing.

Take five minutes today to set one up. It might just save you from a very expensive mistake.