Voice cloning scams: how to guard against audio deepfakes

Voice cloning scams are on the rise, with scammers using AI to impersonate loved ones and extract personal information or money. In 2025, Americans lost $148.2 billion to digital crimes, a 25% increase from the previous year. NordVPN reported a sevenfold rise in sales of voice cloning services on dark web forums and Telegram channels. Marijus Briedis, CTO at NordVPN, noted that cloned voices are now indistinguishable from real ones, making scams harder to detect. Voice cloning tools are now bundled into 'scam kits' sold at low prices, with a hacked ElevenLabs Scale account selling for $150 and an API key for $8. Briedis emphasized that scammers rely on volume, not perfection, to succeed. Experts recommend preparing for scams by setting up verified contact information, discussing legitimate calls with loved ones, and using code words for verification. Common red flags include requests for money, passwords, or urgent actions over the phone. Donnie Hasseltine of Arkstone Defense warned that AI removes the tells we once relied on to spot scams. Users are advised to hang up on suspicious calls, verify identities through known numbers, and avoid sending cash. If scammed, block the scammer, secure financial accounts, and report the incident to authorities. Stay calm and take time to verify before acting.