Code Words

The phrase “Secret Code Word”

AI voice is being used to con unsuspecting folks out of their money.  

It may look something like this: You get a phone call from your 23-yr old granddaughter telling you she’s traveling. She’s been in an accident, and she needs money for emergency medical services. You know the sound of your granddaughter’s voice and you are certain it’s her. Well of course you follow her instructions and send the money — that’s your grandbaby, and she’s in trouble!

Or maybe not.

Because artificial Intelligence (AI) is now being used to clone people’s voices.  

This technology can be used for good, like when a medical condition renders someone unable to speak. There are stories of people getting their voices back based on previously recorded speech content. That’s a modern miracle worth celebrating.

But it can also be used by bad actors to clone the voices of people you know, tricking you for the purpose of stealing your money.

If you get an emergency phone call from someone you know, be on the lookout for:

• A sense of urgency or pressure

• An out-of-the-blue request for personal information

• Requests for payment in unusual formats, like wire transfer or cryptocurrency

• Word choices or tone of voice that seem out of character

The simplest thing you can do to protect yourself is to implement a code word with your family and friends. In other words, agree amongst yourselves that if you ever call with an urgent request for money or help, you’ll use a specific code word or phrase that nobody else would know. 

As with your digital passwords, your code word should be hard to guess. It should not be the name of your pet, your home address, or anything that could be easily discovered by a quick Google search or by trolling your social media accounts. And, just like your other passwords, you should change it regularly.

This simple action can help keep you and your family safe, and keep your money where it belongs.