Imagine your phone rings, and it’s your grandson’s voice. He’s scared. He’s in trouble. He needs money right now.
Except it isn’t him.
Today’s AI can copy a voice from just a few seconds of audio, often taken from a video posted online. Scammers use it to fake a call from someone you love.
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The 3 red flags
1 · Urgency: they need money right now.
2 · Secrecy: “don’t tell anyone.”
3 · An unusual way to pay: gift cards, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or cash picked up at your door.
Any call with those is a scam until proven otherwise, no matter whose voice it is.
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Protection 1 · Hang up and call back
On the number you already have saved, not the one that called. A real emergency can wait two minutes. A scam can’t.
Worried you’ll freeze? Prepare a script:
“Write me a short, calm script to use if someone calls saying a family member is in trouble and needs money. Include what to say to get off the phone politely, and the steps to check the story myself.”
Protection 2 · A family safe word
One word or phrase your family agrees on, something that isn’t on social media. No word, no money.
“Help me set up a family safe word plan. Suggest five easy to remember safe words that wouldn’t be on social media, and write a short, friendly text I can send my family explaining how it works.”
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If it happens: call your bank right away if money was sent. In the US, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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🎯 This week’s challenge: set up your family safe word. Five minutes, and it could save a lot of heartbreak.
Tuesday: how to use AI to check a suspicious message.
🐾 Debbie
AI Puppy Playbook · aipuppyplaybook.com