Spot the
AI Scammer.
AI can now copy anyone's voice from a few seconds of video. Here's how to tell when that call from family is really a scammer.
3 signs
How to tell it's a scammer, fast.
1 easy fix
Hang up. Call back. Done.
1 code word
No code word, no money. Ever.
Here's what scams look like now
A scammer grabs a few seconds of someone's voice from a video they posted. AI makes it say anything. Then the call comes. It's your grandchild. Crying. "I'm in trouble. Please send money." It sounds exactly like them. It is not them.
Anyone can fall for this. What protects you is a plan you make before the call comes.
3 signs it's a scammer
You only need to spot one.
They rush you
"Right now. Do not tell anyone." Scammers need you panicking, not thinking. Real family can wait five minutes. Scammers cannot.
They want money in a weird way
Gift cards. Crypto. A brand new bank account. Nobody in real trouble asks for a stack of gift cards.
your real grandkids ask for snacks, not gift cards.
They dodge questions
Ask something only the real person would know. Like "What did we eat at Grandma's last Sunday?" A scammer changes the subject, cries louder, or hangs up. Watch the lie fall apart.
Also watch out for
Spot any of these? Same answer: hang up and call back.
They want a secret
"Don't tell Dad." Real trouble is something the whole family helps with.
They want your code
The code sent to your phone, or an app to install. Your bank never asks.
They cry. A lot.
Big feelings stop you from thinking. That is exactly the point.
The fix is so easy
Two moves. No tech needed. Works on every scam call, AI or not.
Hang up. Call back.
Hang up. It is not rude. It is smart. Then call back on the number you already have saved. Not the number that just called you. If it was really them, they pick up.
Pick a family code word
Something silly only your family knows, like "pineapple tart". Share it in person or on a call, never in a text. Then the rule is simple: no code word, no money.
not even for the favourite grandchild.
Scammer vs real family
Same voice. Totally different behaviour.
Scammer
Needs money right now.
Says keep it a secret.
Wants gift cards or crypto.
Dodges your questions.
Doesn't know the code word.
hang upReal family
Can wait five minutes.
Fine with you telling everyone.
Asks for snacks, not gift cards.
Answers anything you ask.
Knows the code word.
picks up when you call backNot sure? Ask for help. Any time.
In Singapore, call the ScamShield Helpline 1799, 24/7. Already sent money? Call your bank right away. The faster you call, the better the chance of getting it back.
it sounds like them. it is not them.
