Hi Friend

Thanks must go out to Starling Bank for this; I altered the message some though)

Imagine this: a friend or family member calls asking for money. Their voice sounds exactly like them, but perhaps something even feels off. Would you question if it's really them? In situations like this, a Safe Phrase could be a lifesaver.

AI voice cloning scams are becoming increasingly common. In fact, 28% of Brits believe they’ve been targeted by one in the past year. And as technology keeps advancing, these scams are becoming harder to detect. The reality is, anyone can fall victim to a voice cloning scam—no matter how cautious or tech-savvy they think they are.

How to Spot an AI Voice Cloning Scam

So, how can you protect yourself and your loved ones from being deceived by these scams? The key is knowing what to look for and taking proactive measures.

Anyone’s voice can be cloned - I've even coned my own voice for videos for those times I just don't feel like speaking myself.

What Is a Safe Phrase?

One of the most effective ways to guard against voice cloning scams is by using a Safe Phrase. This is a pre-agreed phrase that you and your trusted contacts can use to confirm each other's identity during a phone call. It acts as a safeguard to ensure you're truly speaking to the person you think you are—and not an AI-generated clone of their voice.

How to Choose a Safe Phrase

Choosing a Safe Phrase is simple, but there are a few important guidelines to follow:

Keep it short and memorable, so you and your loved ones can recall it easily.

Make it random—something that wouldn’t come up in casual conversation.

Keep it private. This is crucial. Don’t use anything that might be easily guessed, like the name of your pet or something that's publicly available on social media.
For example, instead of using your dog’s name or a favourite movie, choose something unique but simple, like "blue elephant" or "sunset pineapple." 

The key is that only you and your trusted circle know it.

Stay Safe with a Simple Step

As AI technology continues to evolve, it’s essential to stay ahead of potential scams. A Safe Phrase is a simple yet powerful tool to protect yourself and your loved ones from AI voice cloning. By taking this small precaution, you can ensure that even the most convincing clone won’t be able to trick you.

Remember, the next time you get a suspicious call, don’t just trust the voice—ask for the Safe Phrase.

John

Next time my daughter calls me and asks for money because she's out and about and a little short of cash, I'm going to ask her for our safe phrase first before I let her have some (Nb - hehe, I haven't told her what the safe phrase is though :)