AI voice scams are on the rise. Here’s how to protect yourself.

Voice cloning tools that use artificial intelligence (AI) have made it easier for criminals to copy people’s voices and trick victims into giving away a lot of money.

For example, a scammer may pretend to be someone’s grandchild and say they urgently need money. Older adults, who may not know much about new technology like AI, can easily fall for these scams, especially if the caller sounds just like someone they know. Scammers can also change phone numbers to look like they’re calling from a familiar number.

In 2023, older adults lost about $3.4 billion to various scams, the FBI reports. The agency has warned that AI makes these scams seem more real because it can create believable messages and fix mistakes that might otherwise tip off a victim.

These scams are often called “grandparent scams.” In them, a scammer will pretend to be a loved one in trouble who needs money right away for an emergency.

Chuck Herrin, a security expert at F5, a security and fraud prevention company, explained to CBS MoneyWatch how these scams work. He said, “They use our fears against us. When we’re scared, we don’t think clearly and might make bad decisions.”

The solution? Create a family “safe word”

Cybersecurity experts and police have a simple tip to help you avoid being tricked by scams: create a family “safe word” and a way to check if the person you’re talking to is really a family member or a friend.

This means picking a word or phrase that others can’t easily guess. Experts advise against using obvious choices like your street name, school, or other details that people can find online.

“It should be unique and hard to guess,” James Scobey, a security chief at Keeper Security, told CBS MoneyWatch. “It shouldn’t be something people can find out about you or your family online. Don’t use street names, towns, phone numbers, or personal names in your safe phrase.”

A safe phrase made up of at least four words is even more secure, he added.

Verify the caller’s identity 

Using a safe word is a great way to protect yourself from scammers.

“This is a big scam operation. They aren’t targeting you personally; they’re just looking for weak security,” said Herrin of F5 to CBS MoneyWatch. “They go through thousands of names from the dark web.

If your security is good, you’ll likely be okay. But if you’re careless, like leaving a window open, you might lose something valuable,” he explained, comparing online dangers to real-world risks.

Whenever someone asks you for money, make sure they prove who they are first. Always ask for the safe word before sending any money.

“Safe words can really help if you use them right,” said Eva Velasquez, CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center.

She shared an example where a scammer, pretending to be a grandchild, might say, “I’m in jail and need help, but I’m so upset I can’t remember our password.” In such moments, a person might accidentally give away the safe word, putting themselves at risk.

“Safe words are helpful, but it’s important to teach your family how to use them correctly. Don’t say the safe word yourself; let the other person say it first,” she advised. This is because there have been cases where victims accidentally revealed the safe word, making the scam easier.