Protect your family from AI voice-clone scams
A short clip of someone's voice from a video is enough to fake a panicked call from them. Twenty minutes around the kitchen table makes that call much easier to see through.
The steps
- 15 min
Step 1: Pick a family code word
Something you'd never post and nobody could guess from your social media. Anyone who calls in a panic asking for money has to say it. The FBI recommends exactly this.
- 10 min
Step 2: Agree the rule: hang up and call back
However real the voice sounds, hang up and ring them on the number you already have. Can't reach them? Call someone who'd know where they are. Caller ID can be faked, so a familiar number proves nothing.
- 10 min
Step 3: Learn the payment tells
Gift cards, wire transfers, crypto, payment apps, or someone coming to pick up cash. A real emergency doesn't need any of those. In Canada, bail can't even be paid in cash or crypto.
- 20 min
Step 4: Have the same talk with the grandparents
These calls often go to grandparents. Make sure they know the code word, and that it's always fine to hang up on “you” and call back.
- 20 min
Step 5: Cut down the voice and video you post publicly
Make accounts private where you can, and think twice about public videos of the kids talking. The FBI's advice is to limit what's online of your image and voice.
- 5 min
Step 6: Know where to report one
US: ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Canada: the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, online or at 1-888-495-8501. If money has already gone, call your bank and the police straight away.
Written by Helg and community members, not by any government. Check the official sites before you pay for anything.
General information, not legal or professional advice. Fees and rules change — check the linked official pages.