Why Voice Cloning Is a Real Threat Today
This post explains how scammers can copy someone’s voice using AI and use it to trick people. It shows real examples of how these scams happen and gives easy steps to protect yourself when you get calls from unknown numbers.
Introduction
I wanted to talk about voice cloning because I watched a video a long time ago. I can’t remember which one, but I saw a comment from a user who had a habit of handling calls from unknown numbers very carefully. From that day, I adopted that habit myself.
Why Voice Cloning Is Dangerous
Nowadays, it’s very easy to clone a voice. With just a few seconds of someone speaking, scammers can steal your identity. They can impersonate you in calls to convince others to do harmful or costly things.
Real-World Examples
Family Distress Scam in India
A caller cloned a child’s voice and sent a WhatsApp message claiming the cousin’s son had been kidnapped. Criminals played a voice recording of the child, cloned using AI, begging for help. Panicked, Chawla transferred ₹50,000 via Paytm.
Source
Emotional Scam in Florida
A mother received a call from someone crying like her daughter. The voice was cloned by AI, claiming the daughter had been in a car accident and needed bail money. She lost $15,000.
Source
There are many examples like this.
How Scammers Do It
In short, they collect voice samples from social media, phone calls, or other recordings and use AI to replicate your voice.
How to Protect Yourself
Never Speak First on Unknown Calls
I got a call yesterday with no one on the line, so I hung up. I didn’t want my voice being used by AI to frame me or steal my identity. Even a few seconds of speech can be enough to clone a voice.Change Your Voice
Try to deepen your voice or speak in a slightly higher pitch that is unnoticeable but different from your normal voice.
In Short
When you get a random call, never speak first. Wait for the other person to speak and, if needed, slightly change your voice.