Protecting your Family With Code Words & Phrases
Imagine this: you’re walking to your car after class. You get in, and suddenly a stranger jumps into the passenger seat, presses a firearm to your ribs, and demands that you drive. You’re terrified, but you’ve been warned not to draw attention.
Just then, your brother walks up to the car. Trying to stay calm, you smile and say, “Hey! I’ll meet you later. I just need to run and grab some cat food.”
Your brother pauses, nods, and walks away. But instead of leaving it at that, he immediately calls the police. Why? Because your family doesn’t have a cat. Years ago, you all agreed that “cat food” would be your emergency code word. A subtle, harmless-sounding phrase to signal distress.
This tactic might sound like something out of a spy movie, but it’s incredibly effective and more relevant than ever in today’s world of high-tech scams.
Voice Cloning Scams: The Modern Threat
While being physically forced into a car may be rare, there’s a growing risk that everyone needs to prepare for: voice cloning scams.
Here’s how it works: scammers use AI technology to record a short snippet of a loved one’s voice, often gathered from social media, videos, or intercepted phone calls. Then, using sophisticated tools, they generate a fake voice message or call that sounds exactly like your family member.
The scam usually goes like this:
“Mom, I’m in trouble-I don’t have my wallet. I need you to send me money right now. Please, it’s urgent. I’ll pay you back tomorrow!”
It’s always urgent. It’s always emotional. And sadly, it’s convincing.
How to Outsmart a Voice Cloning Scam
So, what should you do?
1. Stay calm and don’t provide real payment info.
Even if you think it might be real, never send money right away.
2. Pretend to cooperate-buy time.
Agree to help, but say you need a minute. This keeps the scammer talking.
3. Hang up and call the real person.
Verify if they actually made the request. Often, you’ll discover they’re totally fine.
4. Use your secret family code word.
If you can’t reach the real person, ask the caller to tell you the agreed-upon word or phrase. If they can’t? You’ve just unmasked the scam.
Real-Time Voice Cloning: A Growing Concern
Even more alarming is the rise of real-time voice cloning—technology that doesn’t rely on pre-recorded clips. These AI tools can mimic tone, pitch, and inflection live, making it even harder to detect deception. And with features like AI-generated voice communication now available on smartphones, the lines between real and fake are blurring fast.
Unfortunately, these tools are becoming more accessible, which means scams are only going to increase. The fact that criminals are investing in them proves they’re profitable, and that they work.
Take Action: Create Your Family’s Secret Code
The best defense is preparation. Sit down with your family and come up with a few code words or phrases. Some for emergencies, some for casual check-ins. Make sure everyone knows when and how to use them.
It can be a fun activity, especially with kids. But more importantly, it’s a serious layer of protection in an increasingly digital—and deceptive—world.