What is a deepfake voice scam?

A deepfake voice scam uses artificial intelligence to create or alter speech for a fraudulent request. The voice may imitate a relative, colleague or another trusted person, but hearing a familiar voice does not prove the call is genuine. Check unexpected requests through a separate contact method before sending money. 12

By Secordit. Last checked: 7 November 2026.

Go to the steps · All glossary terms

How it works

  1. A criminal uses generated or altered audio to support a false identity. 12
  2. The caller describes an emergency or another reason to send money. 12
  3. A familiar-sounding voice pressures you to follow the request. 12

Real UK example

Which? reported on deepfake scam calls in March 2025. It described impersonation of relatives and trusted organisations, drawing partly on a survey of consumers including UK respondents. This was survey reporting.

It did not prove how any individual recording was made. The distinction matters: an unfamiliar request needs checking either way. 1

Warning signs

  • A familiar voice makes an unexpected money request. 1234
  • The caller insists you must keep the emergency secret. 12
  • They prevent you from calling back through a known number. 12
  • A colleague’s voice is used to bypass the normal payment process. 1234

What to do now

  1. End the call and contact the person through their usual number. 12
  2. Do not make a payment on the strength of a voice alone. 1234
  3. If you paid, tell your bank what happened and preserve the message if available. 1234

UK reporting and support

  • If money has gone or banking details were shared, call your bank using the number on your card. Or use 159 if your bank participates. 345
  • Report fraud or hacking in England, Wales or Northern Ireland to Report Fraud. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. 46
  • If someone is in danger, call 999. 6

How to protect yourself

  • Agree a private safe phrase with close family or friends. 12
  • Keep the phrase off public profiles and wider chats. 12
  • At work, apply payment checks even when the caller sounds like a director. 1234

Frequently asked questions

Can AI copy someone’s voice?

AI can create or manipulate speech, including voice cloning. Report Fraud warns this can be used to impersonate someone you trust. 12

Can I identify every voice clone by its sound?

Do not rely on sound alone. Report Fraud recommends a safe phrase and independent contact checks. 2

What is a family safe phrase?

It is a privately agreed phrase used to help check who is calling. It is another check, not permission to ignore other warnings. 2

Read the longer guide

Matching kit

Helping an Older Relative Spot Scams · £9 · Digital download.

A family guide with a pause-and-check plan and who-to-call card. It does not promise that scams cannot happen.

General information, not legal, financial or personalised security advice. Secordit is not a police or bank reporting service.

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Sources

  1. Which?, Deepfake phone calls: a quarter of scam calls in the UK are powered by AI - Which?. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  2. Report Fraud, Vishing - Report Fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  3. UK Finance, Authorised Push Payment Fraud Reimbursement | UK Finance. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  4. Report Fraud, Report Fraud alert: Police forces being impersonated in scam calls using ‘spoofed’ phone numbers - Report Fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  5. Stop Scams UK, 159 Phone number - Stop Scams UK. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  6. Police Scotland, How to report a crime - Police Scotland. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).