Spot a voice-clone "grandkid in trouble" call
The phone rings. It sounds exactly like your grandson. He is crying, he is in trouble, and he needs money right now. With a few seconds of audio from social media, scammers can use AI to copy someone's voice. The good news: one simple habit beats this scam every time.
What you need
- Your family's phone numbers saved in your contacts
- A family conversation (10 minutes) to set up a safe word
Step by step
Know the warning signs
The call is urgent, it asks you to keep it secret ("don't tell Mom"), and it wants money in a hard-to-trace way: gift cards, wire transfers, digital money like Bitcoin, payment apps, or cash picked up in person. Sometimes a fake "lawyer" or "police officer" gets on the line. Any of these is a red flag.
Do not trust the voice
Even if it sounds exactly like your loved one, assume it could be fake. Caller ID can be faked too. A familiar voice is no longer proof.
Slow down and hang up
Say "I'll call you right back," and hang up. A real family member will understand. A scammer will push you to stay on the line.
Call them back on a number you know
Use the number saved in your contacts, not the number that called you. If you cannot reach them, call another family member or a friend, even if the caller said to keep it secret.
Ask the safe word, or a personal question
Pick a family safe word ahead of time that only your family knows. If you cannot hang up, ask something only the real person would know, like "What's the name of our first dog?"
Report it
Report the call at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you lost money, call your bank right away and file a report at ic3.gov. People 60 and older can get help from the DOJ Elder Justice Hotline at 1-833-372-8311.
Good to know
- Print this page and keep it by the phone.
- Choose a safe word that is not posted anywhere online. A silly one is easier to remember.
- Being targeted is not your fault. These scams fool smart, careful people every day.