New Delhi, May 19, 2025.
In phone calls, the most important part of our identity is our voice. When someone calls us, without seeing the face, we recognize who it is just by hearing the voice. Taking advantage of this, cyber criminals can execute the ‘voice cloning scam‘.
In this scam, cyber criminals use artificial intelligence (AI) to copy a person’s voice. After that, they try to obtain money or sensitive information by calling their family members, friends, or office colleagues. Therefore, it is necessary to be alert and cautious of this scam.
Question- How do people fall victim to voice cloning scams?
Answer- In this scam, cyber criminals emotionally blackmail people. They use AI technology to first clone a person’s voice. Then they call someone known to that person and pretend to be in a situation like kidnapping, accident, or some trouble.
When someone hears the familiar voice of their acquaintance, friend, relative, or colleague, they trust it without suspicion. People transfer money in the name of help without verifying and become victims of fraud.
Question- How can you protect yourself from voice cloning scams?
Answer- If a familiar person suddenly asks for money, first verify their identity. Hang up the call and contact the person directly to inform them about the unknown call.
Question- How to make your parents and elderly at home aware of voice cloning scams?
Answer- Often, the elderly are unaware of the dangers of modern technology, making them easy targets for voice cloning fraud. It is very important to make them aware of this scam and teach them ways to stay safe.
Question- How can AI voice clone calls be verified?
Answer- Cyber expert Ishan Sinha suggests some ways to avoid this. Such as-
- Always keep the caller ID feature enabled on your smartphone. This can help identify who is calling and their location.
- If someone demands money from you from a new number in the voice of an acquaintance, immediately disconnect the call. Call that person on their real number.
- If a scammer is claiming to be your acquaintance and is asking for money by saying they lost their phone, ask them some personal questions. If the caller is pretending to be your uncle, ask them personal things that only you and your uncle know. Such as-
- Where did we meet last time?
- What is your home address?
- Name, address, and details of another relative.
