A client called me after someone sounding just like her son called her from jail. He told his mother that she had to meet someone outside the jail to pay his bail. In a panic, she complied then discovered that her son was home safe with his family.
Similar stories are of frantic calls from family members who claim to have been abducted. Then the alleged abductor takes the phone and demands money to release his victim.
Generative AI can perfectly mimic voices.
These scammers are convincing and create a sense of urgency, including threatening their victims. Try not to panic.
Use a generic voice mail greeting: Do not record your voice as your greeting. AI can mimic from only a few words. At your phone’s settings make your greeting that caller has reached your telephone number.
Create a code word: Family members should create a unique, easy to remember code word. On a call like this, ask for the code word. If the victim cannot provide it, hang up.
Do not believe caller ID: Telephone numbers are easily spoofed.
Try to reach the alleged victim: While on the call, switch to speaker and text the person or someone else who may be with them. If you have another telephone available, call the person. They need only answer your call for you to be able to exhale.
Check their location: If you track them, check it while on the call.
Lastly, try to reach your family member while you are taking the steps to pay the ransom. And immediately call law enforcement, especially before taking any action to pay anything or before meeting anyone.
John L. O’Shea, Esq. | Cohen Todd, LLC
t 513 333-5227| f 513-241-4495 | m 513 300-4012
250 East Fifth Street, Suite 2350, Cincinnati OH 45202-5136
[email protected] | http://www.cohentodddefense.com/attorney/oshea-john-l/