Imagine getting a call from your spouse, your boss, or your child – only it’s not really them. Thanks to AI voice cloning, scammers can now replicate voices with alarming accuracy, using just a few seconds of audio. This new form of fraud is called vishing or voice phishing, and it’s becoming more common.
How It Works:
- Scammers collect voice samples from voicemails, social media, or public videos
- AI software clones the voice and creates convincing fake calls
- The goal? Trick you into sending money or sharing sensitive information
Why It’s Dangerous:
- The voices sound real – tone, accent, and all
- Scammers use emotional manipulation to create urgency
- Victims have lost thousands of dollars in minutes
Real Example:
A global company nearly transferred $243,000 after a scammer used a cloned voice to impersonate a senior executive. The only thing that stopped it? A quick-thinking employee who double-checked via email.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Set a family code word for emergencies
- Don’t trust caller ID – verify unexpected calls
- Let unknown numbers go to voicemail
- Be cautious about what you share online
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication
- Report suspicious activity to ReportFraud.ftc.gov
What We’re Doing at AB&T:
To help protect our team and customers, we’re implementing standardized voicemail messages across all employee phones. This limits the availability of voice samples and reduces the risk of cloning.
Final Thought:
Technology is evolving fast – but so are we. Stay informed, stay cautious, and know that American Bank & Trust is here to help you navigate the risks with confidence.
