By David Stuckman

With rapid advancements in AI, criminals can clone a person’s voice with just a few seconds of audio — often taken from social media or online videos.  Armed with this technology, scammers call unsuspecting families, mimicking the voice of a jailed relative and creating a sense of panic.

 The call typically unfolds in two stages. First, the family receives a call from someone claiming to be their loved one in jail.  The AI-generated voice sounds eerily similar, even expressing fear and urgency.  Caller ID may even display what appears to be a legitimate jail or law enforcement number.  Second, immediately after, another call comes in from someone posing as an attorney.  They claim to be handling the case and demand an immediate payment via Cash App, cryptocurrency, or another untraceable method — often threatening legal consequences if the family hesitates.

 Tragically, many well-meaning families have already fallen victim to these scams, losing thousands of dollars before realizing the deception.

Why AI-generated scams

are so dangerous

 For decades, families have relied on a loved one’s voice and caller ID to confirm identities.  But now, neither can be trusted.  AI technology has advanced to the point where even the most skeptical individuals can be fooled.

 If you think this is just a far-fetched possibility, consider the case last year involving actor Tom Hanks. Without his permission, AI was used to create several fake TV ads featuring his likeness, including a widely reported dental plan commercial.  This demonstrates just how powerful and deceptive the technology can be.

How to protect yourself

and your loved ones

 Scammers rely on panic and urgency to bypass critical thinking. To safeguard against these AI-based scams, families should take proactive steps:

  • Verify any Distress call before acting – Never make a financial decision based solely on a phone call.  If you receive a call from someone claiming to be in jail, hang up and contact the jail or police department directly.

  • Establish a family safe word – Create a unique code word or security question known only to immediate family members.  If you ever receive a distress call, ask for the safe word to verify the caller’s identity.  However, treat this safe word as you would a bank password — never share it via email, text or any written format that could be compromised.

  • Be wary of urgent payment demands – Scammers push for immediate payment using untraceable methods like Cash App, Venmo or cryptocurrency.  Legitimate bail bondsmen and attorneys will never demand payment this way.

 • Limit personal information online – Many scammers gather voice samples and personal details from social media.  Be mindful of what you or your family share publicly, especially voice recordings and personal details.

  • Spread awareness – The more people know about these scams, the harder it becomes for criminals to succeed.  Share this information with friends, family, and community members.

Regulation hasn’t caught up — but awareness can help

 AI technology is advancing faster than the laws meant to regulate it, leaving consumers vulnerable. Until lawmakers address these risks, public awareness is the best defense.

 As a longtime bail bondsman, I’ve seen firsthand how difficult the legal process can be for families. The last thing they need is to be preyed upon in a moment of distress.  By staying informed and taking precautions, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from falling victim to these scams.

 If you or someone you know has encountered a scam like this, report it to law enforcement immediately. Raising awareness can help put an end to this dangerous new form of fraud.

 — David Stuckman is president of the Professional Bail Agents of the United States (PBUS