Quick answer
A deepfake voice scam uses a recording or generated voice that imitates someone you know and asks for money, a code, or data under pressure. The best defense is to hang up, call that person yourself on a known number, and never share verification codes. If you have already sent money, notify your bank and the police immediately.
How to recognize the problem
- A call from someone you know asks for an urgent payment or verification code
- The voice sounds similar but is monotonous, without natural pauses and emotions
- The caller does not let you hang up and verify the information
- They ask for payment by card, cryptocurrency, or via a money transfer app
- The number calling is not that person's number or is hidden
Most common causes
Stolen short voice recording
A few seconds of public speech from social media or a video call may be enough for a tool to make a convincing copy of the voice.
Data from leaks and social media
Scammers know the name, role, and family relationships in advance, so the call seems convincing and personal.
Pressure and secrecy
The scenario is designed so the victim has no time to think or consult others.
Fake number or forwarded call
The call may come from a number that looks like a known person's number because the number is spoofed or the phone is compromised.
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Hang up and do not give in to pressure
If they ask for money, a code, or data, end the conversation without explanation. Scammers deliberately create a sense of urgency, so hanging up is the first and most important step. Do not reply to messages that arrive immediately after the call.
- 2
Verify the person on a known number
Call that person on a number you already had saved, not the number the call came from. If they do not answer, call a mutual acquaintance or family member. Verification goes through another channel, such as a regular call or message.
- 3
Do not share codes and passwords
No bank, service, or colleague will ask for an SMS code, password, or verification code over the phone. If you have already given a code, consider it compromised, change the password on that account, and check the signed-in devices.
- 4
Stop the payment before it goes through
If you have already given card details, call the bank and ask to block the card. If the payment is being processed, ask for an urgent stop of the transaction. With cryptocurrency payments, a reversal is almost impossible, so speed is crucial.
- 5
Save the evidence
Write down the number, time, and content of the call, save the recording if there is one, and take screenshots of messages. This helps when reporting to the bank and the police. Do not delete the correspondence until the process is complete.
- 6
Report the case
Report the fraud to the police and, if a bank account is involved, to the bank. If an email or social account is compromised, change the password and enable two-factor authentication. Notify the company if the call was business-related.
- 7
Remove public voice recordings
Review public profiles and remove or limit videos where your voice can be clearly heard. Also check privacy settings on social media. This reduces the amount of material available for making a copy.
Business rule for payments by phone request
In companies, introduce a rule that any request to change bank details or make a payment based on a phone call must be confirmed through another channel and with another person's approval. Agree in advance on a so-called safe word that is not sent by email or message but is used only for identity verification. For larger amounts, request a written order and verify the account number directly with the supplier using the number from the contract. Train employees that hanging up is not rudeness but procedure. If fraud occurs, hold a meeting the same day and check whether payment and email accounts have been compromised.
How to prevent it
- Always verify a request for money through another channel, on a known number
- Never give an SMS code, password, or verification code over the phone
- Limit public voice recordings and information about family and role
- Enable two-factor authentication on email and banking apps
When to call a professional
Contact IT support if the call was business-related, if an email or payment account has been compromised, or if you are unsure which passwords and devices need to be checked. They can review account sign-ins and help with reporting to the bank.
AI automation · AI agents that process documents, emails and dataFAQ
How do I recognize a deepfake voice in a call?
Pay attention to a monotonous voice, unnatural pauses, and lack of emotion, as well as the caller avoiding questions and rushing you. No single sign is definitive proof, so always verify the person on a known number before any payment.
What should I do if I sent money to a scammer?
Call your bank immediately and ask to block the card and stop the transaction if it is still being processed. Then report the case to the police and save all evidence of the call and payment. The faster you react, the greater the chance of stopping the funds.
Is it enough to change my phone number?
No, because scammers use data from social media and leaks, not just the number. Change passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and reduce publicly available information about yourself. If the phone is compromised, also check the signed-in devices and apps.