For beginners
AI scam calls
Do not trust the voice. Hang up, then call back on a number you already have.
This is for a phone call that sounds like someone you know and asks for money.
A copied voice can ask for money
From the FBI IC3 alert on generative AI fraud (published December 3, 2024) and the FTC alert on AI family emergency scams, checked November 6, 2026.
The FBI says criminals can make a short audio clip of a relative's voice. They then call as that person in a crisis and ask for money right away, or ask for a ransom.
The FTC says a scammer can copy a family member's voice from a short clip. That clip can come from something posted online. The call can sound like that person.
Agree on a family code word
From the same FBI alert, and the FCC alert on grandparent scams, checked November 6, 2026.
The FBI says to create a secret word or phrase with your family, and use it to verify their identity.
The FCC says to pick a safe word ahead of time that only you and your family know. If the caller cannot remember it, it may be a scam.
Hang up and call back on a number you know
From the same FTC alert and the same FCC alert, checked November 6, 2026.
Do not trust the voice. Hang up. Call the person on a number you already know is theirs. The FCC says to use the number saved in your contacts.
If you cannot reach them, try another relative or a friend. The FTC says to do that.
Do not send the money the caller is rushing you for. The FTC says a request to wire money, send cryptocurrency, or buy gift cards and read the numbers and PINs can be a sign of this scam.
To report it, use ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FBI takes reports at IC3.
The longer checklist is on what to do right now to stay safe. How to avoid a fake ChatGPT download is on fake AI apps.
Spot a mistake? Email us. Say which sentence.