Can a scammer fake a loved one's voice on the phone?
Yes. Scammers can now clone a familiar voice from a few seconds of audio, so a call that sounds exactly like your grandchild or your boss asking for money or a code can still be a scam.
What it is
A phone call using AI-generated audio that mimics a real person's voice — often a family member in an emergency or an executive — to pressure you into sending money or sharing information.
How to spot it
An urgent call from a "loved one" in trouble who needs money fast.
You're told to keep it secret and not call anyone else.
Payment is requested by wire, gift card, crypto, or cash courier.
The caller resists your questions or won't verify simple shared details.
What to do
Hang up and call the person back on their known number. Agree on a family code word in advance, and never move money based on a single urgent call.
When in doubt, slow down. A real credit union, business, or agency is fine with you hanging up and calling back on a number you look up yourself.