Watch out for suspicious calls: Scammers in Spain are using unknown numbers and AI technology to impersonate your loved ones.Credit : tete_escape, Shutterstock
Why family codewords are your best defence against phone scams…
It’s a story that’s becoming all too familiar: your phone buzzes, and there’s a WhatsApp or SMS message from a “loved one” urgently asking for money, or you receive a call from what sounds exactly like your child or your partner. But here’s the catch — it’s not them. With the rise of artificial intelligence, scammers are now able to clone voices and send highly convincing messages pretending to be someone close to you.
Recognising how convincing these new scams have become, Spain’s Policía Nacional is now urging families to fight back with a tactic as simple as it is effective: a secret family codeword.
How scammers use AI voice cloning to imitate your family
In the past, scammers had to rely on impersonal phishing emails or clumsy phone calls. Now, with just a short audio sample from social media or a voicemail, fraudsters can use AI to recreate the voice of your mum, dad, or best friend. They’ll contact you in a moment of stress — maybe saying they’ve lost their phone, are in trouble, or need money urgently.
These scams often start with a believable story, but can quickly escalate. You might be asked to transfer money, reveal personal details, or click a dodgy link. By the time you realise it wasn’t really your family member, it’s too late.
Setting up a secret code: Simple steps that could save you
So, how do you stop yourself from falling into the trap? The Policía Nacional’s advice is refreshingly practical: agree a secret codeword with your closest circle — something only your real loved ones would know. It could be the name of your first pet, the place you went on your last holiday together, or even the title of your childhood favourite song.
When you receive a suspicious message or call, especially one asking for money or sensitive information, ask for the codeword. If the person can’t provide it, hang up or stop replying immediately. The scam falls apart.
“Even if they’ve cloned a voice or written the perfect message, a codeword is almost impossible to fake,” explained a police spokesperson in a recent video. “It doesn’t matter how clever the scam is — if they don’t know your family code, you know it’s not really them.”
Extra tips from the Police
- Don’t overshare on social media: Fraudsters gather information from your public posts.
- Be sceptical of urgency: Scammers want you to act before you think.
- Talk to your family: Make sure everyone knows the codeword and what to do.
Criminals are getting smarter, but you don’t have to make it easy for them. Taking five minutes to set up a secret family code could save you a fortune — and a lot of heartache. Share the tip, and help your friends and family stay one step ahead.
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