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With the spectacular rise of artificial intelligence-based technologies, a new threat has emerged in the form of voice deepfakes. These sophisticated imitations of human voices have become a favorite tool of scammers, who use them to extort money by impersonating loved ones. Faced with this growing threat, adopting innovative security approaches such as using a family code name has become essential. This simple and effective strategy, consisting of asking a question or using a word known only to family members, acts as a protective barrier against such voice manipulation. Families can thus protect themselves against these scams with peace of mind, without succumbing to the confusion generated by voices too convincing to be authentic. The spectacular advances in artificial intelligence have enabled the rise of voice deepfakes, a reality that weighs heavily on modern scams. Scammers are now using these technologies to mimic the voices of our loved ones, making it even harder to detect imposters. A family code name is emerging as a simple yet effective solution to thwart these scams. This article explores the importance of this method, strategies for establishing secure code names, and some practical tips to protect yourself and your loved ones.The Rise of AI-Powered Voice ScamsVoice imitation scams are gaining popularity, primarily thanks to artificial intelligence technologies that can reproduce a voice with alarming accuracy. In the United States and other countries, scammers are managing to deceive many people by imitating the voices of distressed relatives. This method, often targeting the elderly, results not only in financial loss but also significant psychological trauma. The Effectiveness of a Family Code WordAccording to experts, the best defense against these scams is often the simplest: adopting a family code word. If a call seems suspicious, even if the voice sounds familiar, asking the caller a secret word or question can quickly reveal their true identity. If the caller is unable to answer properly, they are probably an imposter. This method offers an additional layer of security and can prevent dramatic situations. Protecting Our Elders with Simple References For a code word to be effective, it must be simple, memorable, and, above all, impossible to find online. As Liz Hamburg, CEO of Candoo Tech, points out, it’s best to use family memories or private jokes that couldn’t be discovered through an internet search. It’s advisable to share this exclusive word in person or by phone, never via text message. Secret Question Variant Beyond the code word, some households prefer to adopt a secret question. For example, fraud expert Vince Martino uses this approach with his mother, asking questions such as the name of the motel she frequented as a child—facts few people would guess. This type of question adds a layer of complexity that could deter a copycat.
Additional Considerations for Vulnerable Individuals While the family code word is a preferred preventative technique, it is not suitable for everyone, particularly those with cognitive impairments. For these individuals, it is best to block unknown calls and stick to verified contacts. If in doubt, it is wise to hang up and call the person who supposedly called back directly.When and How to Change the Code Word
Changing the password frequently is not necessary, except in specific circumstances such as a breach of trust. Using the same password over a long period is often sufficient, provided the password’s security is not compromised.
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