Scam 'New number' family scams and AI voice clones
Scammers pose as your child or relative, by text from a 'new number' or with an AI-cloned voice.
Test yourself: how many would you spot?+91 9XXXX X6602
Hi Mummy, ye mera naya number hai, purana phone kharab ho gaya. Urgent ₹18,000 bhej do, kal wapas kar dunga. Call mat karna, meeting mein hoon.
SCAM
How it works
- A message from a 'new number' or a panicked call in a familiar voice.
- An emergency: fees, hospital, police, accident.
- They insist you don't call or tell anyone.
Red flags
- New number plus urgent money
- 'Don't call', 'can't talk now'
- Paying into a stranger's account
Stay safe
- Call the person on their old number
- Agree on a family code word for emergencies
- Even if the voice sounds right, hang up and call back
Already happened? Act fast
- Call 1930National Cyber Crime Helpline. The sooner you call, the better the chance of stopping the money.
- cybercrime.gov.inFile an online complaint. Keep screenshots and transaction IDs.
- Call your bankUse the number on your card to block cards, UPI or the account.
- Report on ChakshuReport fraud calls, SMS and WhatsApp messages at sancharsaathi.gov.in.
Questions
Can AI really copy a voice?
Yes, from a few seconds of audio such as a social media video. Always verify with a call-back.