Beware of suspicious calls: Spanish scammers use unknown numbers and AI technology, pretending to be your loved one. Credits: tete_escape, shutterstock
Why family codewords are your best defense against phone scams…
It's a very familiar story. Your phone will fuss and you will receive a call from whatsapp or SMS messages from “loves” urgently seeking money or something that sounds like your child or partner. But here's the catch – it's not them. With the rise of artificial intelligence, scammers can clone their voices and send highly persuasive messages by pretending to be someone nearby.
Recognizing how convincing these new scams are, Spanish Policia nacional is now urging them to fight back with just as simple tactics as effective for families: Secret Family Codewords.
How a scammer uses AI voice cloning to mimic your family
In the past, scammers have had to resort to impersonal phishing emails and clumsy calls. Now, using short audio samples from social media and voicemail, scammers can use AI to recreate the voices of moms, dads, or best friends. They will contact you in moments of stress – maybe they are saying they have lost their phone, are in trouble, or they need money urgently.
These scams often start with belief stories, but can escalate quickly. You may be asked to transfer money, reveal personal details, or click on dangerous links. By the time you realize it's not really your family, it's too late.
Secret Code Setup: Easy Steps that Can Save You
So how do you stop yourself from falling into the trap? Policía Nacional's advice is refreshingly practical. I agree to the secret codewords with your nearest circle. That's something only your true loved one knows. It could be your first pet's name, where you went together on your last holiday, or even the title of your favorite song from your childhood.
Ask Codeword if you receive a suspicious message or phone call, especially someone who is looking for money or sensitive information. If that person is unable to provide it, hang up or stop replying immediately. The scams fall apart.
“It's almost impossible for codewords to forge fakes, even if they clone their voices or write the perfect message,” explained a police spokesman in a recent video. “It doesn't matter how smart a scam is. If they don't know your family code, you know it's not really them.”
Additional tips from the police
- Don't overshare on social media: Scammers will collect information from your public posts.
- Be skeptical of urgency: Scammers want you to act before you think.
- Talk to your family: Make sure everyone knows the codewords and what to do.
Criminals are smarter, but they don't need to make it easier for them. It's a great savings if you take 5 minutes to set up a secret family code. Share tips and help your friends and family stay one step ahead.
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