Spot AI-powered scams: voice clones, deepfakes and perfect phishing
The 'family emergency' call
A panicked call that sounds exactly like your child or grandchild: arrested, in an accident, needs money now and says don't tell anyone. Hang up and call them back on the number you already have.
Agree a family safe word
Pick a word or phrase only your family knows, never posted online. Anyone calling in an 'emergency' has to say it.
Deepfake videos and ads
Celebrities, news anchors or 'your bank' in a video promising returns or asking you to act are a red flag. Real investments don't come from social-media ads.
Perfect phishing
Emails and texts can now be flawless and personal. Don't use the link or number in the message. Open the app or type the website yourself.
The universal tells
Urgency, secrecy, and unusual payment (gift cards, crypto, wire transfers, payment apps). Any one of these means stop and verify.
Check your understanding
Your 'grandson' calls crying and needs bail money now. What do you do?
Hang up and call him (or his parents) on a number you already have, and ask for the family safe word.
Which payment methods are big scam warning signs?
Gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers and payment apps, especially when someone is rushing you.