When the voice on the phone isn't real

What changed

Software can now copy a person’s voice from a short clip, such as a conference talk, a podcast or a voicemail greeting. Video can be faked in real time. These tools are cheap and widely available.

Attackers use them for the same scams they always ran, with much better disguises: an urgent call from the boss to move money, a “vendor” confirming new bank details, a family member in trouble.

What still works

The fake can be perfect, but the scam still follows a script you can recognize:

• Urgency: it has to happen now.
• Secrecy: do not tell anyone else yet.
• An unusual request: money, gift cards, passwords or access.

What to do

• Verify through a second channel. Hang up and call back on a number you already have, or message the person on another app.
• Agree on a check for money requests. A second approver, or a code word known only to the people involved.
• Slow down. Real executives can wait ten minutes for a callback.