Could that call be a cloned voice? AI voice scams
AI tools can now copy a person's voice from a short recording, such as a video on social media. Scammers use this to call pretending to be a family member in trouble, asking for money fast.
Check your message free ↓What it can look like
(Phone call) Grandma, it's me. I've been in an accident and I'm in trouble. Please don't tell Mum. I need money for a lawyer right now. Someone will call you with the details.
A made-up example. Real messages vary.
The warning signs
- A loved one in an emergency: an accident, an arrest or being stranded.
- They beg you to keep it secret.
- They need money right now, often by bank transfer, gift cards or cash collected by a courier.
- The call is short, or someone else takes over to explain.
What to do
- Hang up and call them back on the number you already have.
- Agree a family code word now, and ask for it in any emergency call.
- Never hand money to a courier or buy gift cards because of a call.
- If you have paid, call your bank straight away and report it to the police.
Already paid or shared your details?
- Call your bank straight away, using the number on your card.
- Change any passwords you shared, starting with your email.
- Report it (see below).
- Tell someone you trust. Scams catch careful people too.
United Kingdom
Report fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. Forward scam texts to 7726 and scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Call 159 to reach most UK banks.
United States
Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Forward scam texts to 7726.
Canada
Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre on 1-888-495-8501. Forward scam texts to 7726.
Australia
Report it at scamwatch.gov.au. If you lost money, report it to the police at cyber.gov.au and call IDCARE on 1800 595 160 for free help.
Anywhere else
Report it to your local police or your national fraud reporting service.
Other common scams
- Parcel delivery texts
- Your bank's "fraud team" calls
- Tax refunds, fines and road tolls
- Celebrity investment adverts
- "Hi Mum, I've got a new number"
- Fake shops and too-good deals
- Computer help calls and pop-ups
- Requests for a security code
- Online friends who talk about money
- Calls from the "police" asking for money
- Power or water cut-off messages
This page is general information, not legal or financial advice. Reporting details were checked on 26 September 2026. Another AI Lie is not linked to the organisations named. Example messages are made up.