Shreveport, La. – The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is sounding the alarm for grandparents in the ArkLaTex region after scammers began using artificial‑intelligence technology to clone family members’ voices. These sophisticated “grandparent scams” exploit seniors’ desire to help relatives in apparent emergencies.
How the scams work
Typically, a caller pretends to be a grandchild or close relative who claims to be arrested, injured, or otherwise in urgent need of cash. Using personal details harvested from social media or purchased from cybercriminals, the fraudster can make the story sound convincing. Caller‑ID spoofing further disguises the call as coming from a trusted number.
Advances in AI now allow scammers to mimic a loved one’s voice, making it harder for seniors to detect deception. In many cases, the impostor pressures the victim to keep the situation secret and may hand the call off to someone posing as a police officer, lawyer, or court official demanding immediate payment for bail, legal fees, or other expenses.
Red flags to watch for
- Urgent demand for money, especially via gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps.
- Requests to keep the matter secret.
- Pressure to stay on the line while the victim sends funds.
- Threats that a loved one will be arrested or face other consequences if payment isn’t made.
Deal, a BBB representative, stresses that the pressure to act quickly is one of the biggest warning signs.
What to do if you receive such a call
Do not rely on the caller’s voice or caller‑ID. Hang up and call the family member back using a number saved in your contacts. If you cannot reach the person, contact another relative or trusted friend to verify the story. Avoid sending money immediately, especially through gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps.
Consider establishing a family safe word that only close relatives know; a caller who cannot provide it may be a fraudster. The BBB also recommends writing down call details before hanging up, as this information can be useful when reporting the incident.
Reporting the scam
Victims can report suspected scams to the BBB Scam Tracker, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, and alert the Federal Communications Commission about illegal robocalls or texts. The FCC notes that public awareness remains one of the most effective defenses against these scams.
By staying vigilant and verifying requests independently, grandparents can protect themselves and their families from costly fraud.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
