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voice-scams

How to Tell If a Call Is an AI Voice Scam

November 13, 2025
voice scamsAI cloningphone fraud

How to Tell If a Call Is an AI Voice Scam

AI voice cloning creates convincing impersonations from seconds of audio. Use our Voice Scam Risk tool to evaluate suspicious calls.

Warning Signs

Audio Quality Issues

  • Fluctuating quality
  • Artificial background noise
  • Odd echo patterns

Unnatural Speech

  • Overly smooth delivery
  • No breathing sounds
  • Missing verbal fillers

Limited Interaction

  • Won't answer specific questions
  • Scripted responses
  • Can't recall shared memories

Emotional Manipulation

  • Extreme urgency
  • Fear-based appeals
  • Secrecy demands

Common Scenarios

Grandparent Scam

Fake grandchild in emergency. Establish family code words and verify through known numbers.

Executive Impersonation

Fake CEO requesting wire transfers. Require multi-step approval.

Family Emergency

Distressed relative needing money. Always call back at known numbers.

How to Test

  • Ask specific personal questions
  • Request video call
  • Say you'll call back
  • Listen for background consistency

See Scam Text Analyzer for text-based scams.

Report AI Fraud to StopAiFraud.com →

Visit Safety Tools for more resources.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is AI voice cloning?

A: AI voice cloning uses artificial intelligence to replicate someone's voice from audio samples. Scammers can create convincing fake audio of family members, executives, or authority figures using just a few seconds of voice data from social media, voicemails, or public recordings. This technology makes voice-based scams extremely convincing.

Q: How can I protect myself from voice scams?

A: Establish family code words for emergencies, always verify requests through known phone numbers, ask personal questions only the real person would know, request video calls for verification, be suspicious of urgency tactics, and limit public voice recordings on social media. Never send money based solely on a phone call without independent verification.

Q: What should I do if I receive a suspicious call?

A: Stay calm and don't let emotion override judgment. Ask specific personal questions to test the caller's knowledge. Tell them you'll call back at their known number. Do not provide personal information or send money. Hang up if you feel pressured. After the call, verify independently by calling the person or organization through official channels.

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