Maya's mother calls her, upset. A minute ago she got a call from someone who sounded exactly like Maya's son.
He was crying and said he was in trouble. He needed money right away and begged her not to tell his mom.
Maya's son is at home, doing homework at the kitchen table.
Her mother did not send anything. But she came close.
The FBI alert describes this kind of call. Criminals make short audio clips in a loved one's voice.
They use the clip to pose as a close relative in a crisis. Then they ask for money at once, or demand money.
The goal is to make you act before you can think or check.
The same alert gives tips to protect yourself. Here they are in plain words.
| FBI tip | What it looks like at home or work |
|---|---|
| Create a secret word or phrase with your family | Ask for the word before you act on any urgent request |
| Hang up and call back on a number you look up yourself | Use the number in your own contacts, not one the caller gives |
| Limit public photos and voice recordings | Think before posting clips of your family online |
| Never send money or gift cards to people met only online or by phone | No payment goes out on the strength of one call |
Sources: FBI IC3, Criminals Use Generative AI to Facilitate Financial Fraud (2024)
Tomorrow: spot the problems in a polished scam email.