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By Southern Methodist University (SMU)
SMU cybersecurity expert Mitch Thornton says AI-generated voices to fake kidnappings, arrests and medical emergencies highlight a growing threat that many Americans are unprepared to recognize.
As AI makes it easier than ever to mimic a person’s voice, families are increasingly becoming targets of convincing emergency scams, such as fake kidnappings and arrests, in which criminals impersonate loved ones in distress.
“AI can now clone a person’s voice from a short audio sample,” said Mitch Thornton, executive director of the Deason Institute for Cyber Security in SMU’s Lyle School of Engineering. “Hearing a familiar voice is no longer proof of identity.”
He said the single most effective defense against such scams is to independently verify the person’s safety through a trusted contact method before taking any action.
Thornton, who is available for interviews, offered these tips for avoiding voice-cloning scams:
Stay calm and slow down.
Scammers rely on fear and urgency to prevent rational thinking. If someone claims a loved one has been kidnapped, injured, or arrested, pause before taking any action.
Establish a family safe word.
Create a private family code word or phrase known only to close family members. In an emergency, ask for the safe word before believing the caller.
Ask questions only your loved one would know.
If you are able to speak with the purported victim, ask specific questions that are unlikely to be found online or guessed by a stranger.
Never send money under pressure.
Be especially suspicious if the caller demands immediate payment by wire transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards, payment apps, or cash.
Contact other family members immediately.
Reach out to relatives, friends, coworkers, or roommates who may be able to confirm the person’s whereabouts.
Limit personal information online.
Public videos, voice recordings, social media posts, and podcasts can provide material for AI voice cloning and social engineering attacks.
Be suspicious of requests for secrecy.
Scammers often instruct victims not to contact police or family members. Legitimate emergencies rarely require secrecy.
Trust verification, not emotion.
Even if the caller knows personal details or uses a familiar voice, independently verify the situation before sending money or sharing information.
Report attempted scams.
If targeted, report the incident to local law enforcement, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), and your financial institution if money was sent.
Courtesy: Newswise
