Computer programs can learn someone’s voice from a short clip on social media and make it say anything. Deepfake videos put a famous face on words they never said.
Why it matters
The voice on the phone may sound exactly like your grandson. Hearing a familiar voice is no longer proof of who is calling.
Step by step
- Know that voices and faces can be faked.
- Judge the request, not the voice: money, urgency and secrecy are the warning signs.
- Check through a different route, such as calling the person’s usual number.
- Talk about this with family so everyone knows.
Common mistakes
- Thinking “I would recognize my own family’s voice”. Clones are very convincing.
Try it yourself
- Tell one family member about voice cloning this week.
Printable cheat sheet: How Fake Voices and Videos Are Made
- Know that voices and faces can be faked.
- Judge the request, not the voice: money, urgency and secrecy are the warning signs.
- Check through a different route, such as calling the person’s usual number.
- Talk about this with family so everyone knows.
Print this page and keep the sheet by your device. Never write passwords or PINs on it.
Good to know: Take your time and go at your own pace. Nobody genuine will ever ask you for a password, PIN or one-time code, and you never need to share them to follow this lesson. If anything on your screen looks unexpected, stop and ask a family member or your Tech Helper.