During our 2025 Annual Review Project with clients, several clients have mentioned that their biggest fear is getting a phone call from their 'child' (which could also be a grandchild), saying that they are in trouble and that they need money sent. This is a very real possibility of a scam, so we asked Junia Ai to help us write an article and a Guide for our clients (which you can download from the button below this article).
Note, these do not have to be small children for this to be effective, it could be your adult child who is travelling on holiday overseas, or your parents who are travelling.
Please note that these voice scams can now be created from a very brief (less than 10 seconds) voice clip of the person.
Introduction
Voice scams have evolved dramatically with the advance of AI technology. Scammers now use sophisticated AI voice cloning tools to mimic the voices of your loved ones, making fake calls sound incredibly real. This new threat targets families by exploiting our natural instinct to assist relatives in distress, often tricking people into sending money or sharing sensitive information.
How Voice Scams Work
Using AI voice cloning and caller ID manipulation, scammers can imitate family members convincingly. They create fake distress scenarios—such as an emergency or financial trouble—and call pretending to be your child, parent, or sibling. The caller ID might even display a familiar number, adding to the deception.
Modern voice scammers use advanced AI technology to create highly convincing impersonations of your loved ones. Here's what happens behind the scenes:
AI Voice Cloning
Scammers collect voice samples from social media posts, voicemails, or public videos
AI software analyses these samples to recreate the target's voice patterns, tone, and speech mannerisms
The resulting synthetic voice can mimic your family member with startling accuracy
Just a 3-second audio clip can be enough for AI to generate a convincing voice clone
Caller ID Manipulation
Scammers use readily available spoofing tools to mask their real phone numbers
They can make calls appear to come from your family member's actual phone number
Some advanced spoofing techniques even replicate contact photos and caller details
The combination of AI voice cloning and caller ID spoofing creates a powerful deception. When you answer the phone, you see a familiar number and hear what sounds exactly like your loved one's voice. This technology makes it increasingly difficult to distinguish legitimate calls from sophisticated scams through traditional means alone.
The scammers often layer these technical tricks with emotional manipulation, creating urgent scenarios that pressure victims into making quick decisions without proper verification.
Common Scam Scenarios Involving Family Impersonation
Voice scammers often exploit our deepest fears about family emergencies to manipulate victims into quick financial decisions. Here are real-world emergency scams targeting families:
A distressed "grandchild" calling late at night claiming to be in jail abroad, needing immediate bail money
A "sibling" requesting urgent funds for medical treatment after a supposed car accident
A "parent" stuck overseas with a cancelled credit card, requesting a wire transfer
A "child" kidnapped and held for ransom, demanding cryptocurrency payment
A "relative" stranded at an airport after losing their wallet, asking for hotel booking payment
These scammers create high-pressure situations, insisting on immediate action and secrecy. They often include specific personal details gleaned from social media to make their stories more convincing. The scammer might say "Don't tell Mom" or "I need this money in the next hour" to prevent victims from taking time to verify the caller's identity.
The combination of emotional manipulation and time pressure makes these scams particularly effective against caring family members who want to help their loved ones in crisis.
Why Safe Words Are an Effective Defence Against Voice Scams
Safe words are pre-agreed secret phrases used exclusively within families during emergency communications. They serve as a simple but powerful tool to verify identity over phone calls, especially when voices might be replicated artificially. These words are difficult for scammers to guess because they’re unique and not publicly shared.
A safe word can be:
A memorable phrase from a shared family experience
A combination of random words with special meaning
An inside joke that only family members understand
How Safe Words Work
When a family member calls claiming an emergency, they must provide the correct safe word. If they cannot supply it or if the word is incorrect, it raises immediate red flags and prevents hasty decisions based on fake calls.
Benefits of Using Safe Words
- Instant Verification: Quickly confirm who is really on the line.
- Difficult to Guess: Personalised words reduce scam success.
- Child-Friendly: Easy enough for children to remember and use.
- Supports Emergency Protocols: Fits naturally into family communication plans.
Establishing and Using Safe Words with Family Members
Selecting Safe Words
Choose words that are meaningful but not obvious—favourite hobbies, inside jokes, or random combinations work well. Avoid easily discoverable information like birthdays or pet names.
Making It Child-Friendly
Pick simple words kids can remember under stress. Practice regularly so they become second nature. (More tips are in the guide that you can download)
Implementation Tips
- Share safe words only among trusted family members.
- Update them periodically.
- Reinforce usage during any emergency communication drill.
Teaching Children
Educate kids about voice scams and the importance of safe words in a calm, age-appropriate way. Role-play conversations where they ask for or provide the safe word.
Incorporating Safe Word Checks into Family Emergency Communication Plans
To maximize safety:
- Create a priority checklist for verifying emergency calls.
- Establish backup verification methods such as texting or video calls.
- Set clear procedures on how family members should respond if verification fails.
- Practice emergency drills regularly involving safe word checks.
Additional Precautions Against Voice Scams
Beyond safe words, families should:
- Implement strict call verification protocols.
- Adjust social media privacy settings to limit personal information exposure.
- Use technology solutions like call-blockers and caller ID authentication apps.
- Employ banking safeguards such as transaction alerts and limits on transfers without confirmation.
Steps to Take If You Suspect a Voice Scam Targeting Your Family Members
1. Immediate Actions: Do not send money or share sensitive info; try alternative contact methods.
2. Contact Relevant Authorities: Report suspicious calls to local law enforcement or cybercrime units.
3. Alert Financial Institutions: Inform banks about potential fraudulent activity on accounts.
4. Warn Family Members: Share scam details promptly so others remain vigilant.
5. Document Everything: Keep records of calls, messages, and any suspicious activity for investigations.
Conclusion
AI-powered voice scams pose a serious threat by exploiting familial trust and advanced technology. However, implementing simple defences like safe words can significantly reduce risks by enabling quick verification during urgent situations. Families should combine this approach with broader security measures and clear communication plans to stay one step ahead of scammers trying to impersonate loved ones.
By staying informed and prepared, you can protect your family from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated scams.
