Can scammers clone my family member's voice?

Reviewed answer

Yes, from a few seconds of audio. A family safe word and a callback beat any voice.

Pick a family safe word together, something not findable online. The caller must say it without being prompted.
If a loved one calls in trouble asking for money, hang up and call them back on the number you already have, or call another relative.
Treat urgency plus secrecy ("don't tell Mom") plus gift cards, crypto, wires, or a courier as a scam every time.
Share this with grandparents. They are the most common target.

Get help if

If you sent money or handed cash to a courier, call your bank's fraud line now, then report at reportfraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov.