A Florida woman was conned out of $15,000 after receiving a chilling phone call from someone who sounded exactly like her daughter. The sobbing voice claimed she had caused a car crash injuring a pregnant woman and was being detained. A man posing as her attorney then demanded bail money, instructing the mother not to tell the bank the reason for the withdrawal.

“There is nobody that could convince me that it wasn’t her. I know my daughter’s cry,” said Sharon Brightwell, the victim of the scam.

The scammers used AI voice cloning technology, likely sourced from social media videos, to replicate her daughter’s voice with disturbing accuracy. After Sharon handed over the money to a courier, she received another call demanding $30,000 more, claiming the unborn child had died. Fortunately, her grandson intervened and confirmed her daughter was safe at work.

This incident is part of a growing trend. According to Fox 4 News, AI voice scams surged 241% post-pandemic, with Americans losing over $12 billion in 2023. These scams often target parents and the elderly, exploiting emotional urgency.

Experts recommend creating a family password, limiting public audio exposure, and verifying distress calls through trusted channels. “Don’t trust the voice,” warns the FTC. “Call the person directly using a known number”.

As AI tools become more accessible, scammers are weaponizing them with devastating consequences. Staying informed and skeptical is key to protection.

Editor’s Note: Based on reporting by: Malwarebytes, Fox 4 News, CBS News