Greg's Corner

AI Scam Calls: When Voices Lie

By Greg Collier

A terrifying new scam is targeting families across Georgia and beyond, leaving parents in a state of panic. It starts with a phone call, an urgent plea from a loved one, their voice unmistakable, filled with fear. But law enforcement is issuing a warning. It’s all a hoax.

One Georgia father experienced this horror firsthand. The call came unexpectedly, his son’s voice screaming, “Dad!” Before he could even process what was happening, the voice on the other end was begging for help, claiming to be in serious trouble. The panic set in immediately, his son’s voice, tone, and mannerisms were all perfect. There was no reason to doubt it.

As the conversation continued, the situation became more sinister. When he began to question what was happening, the person on the other end turned aggressive, making terrifying threats. They claimed they would harm him, break into his home, and even kill his family. In those moments, fear and confusion took over, making it nearly impossible to think logically.

It wasn’t until he managed to confirm that his son was safe that the awful truth became clear, he had been scammed. Though no money was lost, the emotional impact was lasting. Even after the call ended, he found himself on edge, constantly aware of his surroundings, shaken by the experience.

Law enforcement officials confirm that cases like this are becoming more common. Scammers are now using advanced artificial intelligence to replicate voices with chilling accuracy. All they need is a small voice sample, often taken from social media or public videos, and they can create a near-perfect imitation of a loved one.

What makes these scams even more dangerous is how difficult they are to trace. Investigators say that tracking down the criminals is nearly impossible due to their use of spoofed phone numbers and encrypted communication methods. Despite this, authorities are urging people to take precautions.

One of the best ways to protect yourself is to have a secret code word with family members, something only they would know. If you receive a distressing call, try reaching out to the person in question through another method before reacting. Police also advise against sharing too much personal information online, as scammers often piece together details from social media to make their stories more convincing.

This type of fraud preys on emotions, aiming to create fear so victims act before thinking critically. Staying cautious and prepared is the best defense against these increasingly sophisticated scams.