Family and care
How to spot AI scams
AI scams use cloned voices, polished fake messages and fake videos to push you into acting fast, and typos are no longer a reliable warning sign. Rely on habits: slow down, hang up and call back on a number you trust, never send gift cards, wire transfers or crypto, and agree on a family code word. For locked accounts and phone settings, see scam-proofing a parent's phone. For active fraud, contact your bank and report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
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Spot a fake messageThree checks before you tap a link.Open it, no costRead first
- Grow8 min readHow to Spot an AI Scam Before You RespondA calm checklist for cloned voices, fake messages and urgent requests: pause, verify on a channel you trust, and set a family code word.
- Mind9 min readHow to Spot AI Fake Voices, Photos and MessagesPlain checks for AI-made voices, photos and messages: what to look for, why it is getting harder, and a family code word plan that works even when you cannot tell.
- Grow9 min readHow to Scam-Proof a Parent's Phone in One AfternoonSettings to change, a family code word, and a simple pause-and-call-back rule, set up together in about three hours without lecturing.
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Spotting AI Fakes: Voices, Photos and Messages
Why you cannot spot every fake by eye, a pause-and-verify habit, scripts for urgent calls, source checks for photos and videos, and a first-hour plan if you were fooled.
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Common questions
How do I tell if a voice is cloned?
You often cannot by ear. Hang up and call the person back on a known number, and ask a question only they could answer, or use your family code word.
What should I do if I sent money?
Contact your bank or card company right away, then report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to local police.
Are fake photos and videos easy to spot?
Not always. Look for odd details, but also check the source, search for the image and be wary of anything urging you to act at once.
How do I protect older relatives?
Set up a code word, turn on scam call filters, and agree that they will always call you before sending money. The family course (coming soon) walks through it.
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