AI-powered 'cloned voice' scams on the rise, experts warn. Here's how to protect yourself

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- During the holidays, people juggle errands and family demands -- and unknowingly set themselves up to be the perfect target for a scammer. Here's what to look out for.

Cyber security experts are warning we should be on alert for AI scams -- and there's one circulating using the cloned voices of victims' loved ones.

Here's how it works.

Scammers gather voice samples from videos posted on social media, and in some cases even your own voicemail.

They then use AI to replicate how that person sounds. Three seconds of audio is all it takes!

Some victims report the voices are identical.

The scammer then calls their family -- asking for money to help them out of a fake emergency, like a car accident or unexpected expense.

Scammers count on their victims to be distracted.

And data shows it works. According to a study from McAfee, 70% of people surveyed couldn't tell the difference between a cloned voice and the real thing.

1 in 10 people surveyed reported they've received a message from an AI clone.

And it's costing people.

Of those who've lost money, more than a third lost between $500 to $3,000.

7% lost anywhere between $5,000 and $15,000.

So be prepared! Experts recommend establishing a secret "safe phrase" with your loved ones, so if you get a suspicious call you can verify it's really them.

Take a look at more stories and videos by 7 On Your Side.

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