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Your Family Needs a Safe Word

Last updated September 27, 2026

What’s happening

It now takes only a few seconds of someone’s voice — from a voicemail, a social media video, even a “can you hear me?” robocall — for AI to produce a convincing clone of it.

Scammers are using this to supercharge the old “grandparent scam.” The call sounds exactly like your child or grandchild: “Mom, I’ve been in an accident, I need you to wire money right now, please don’t tell Dad.” It’s urgent, emotional, and designed to make you act before you think.

Why a safe word works

A scammer can fake a voice, but they can’t guess a secret word your family agreed on in person. It’s low-tech, free, and it works for everyone — including grandparents who will never install a security app.

Do this now

• Pick a word or short phrase that’s easy to remember but hard to guess. Avoid pet names, birthdays, and anything posted on social media. Two words beat one: “blueberry pancake” is better than “apple.”
• Share it in person or on a live video call — not by text or email, which can be hacked, forwarded, or faked.
• Make sure everyone who might get “the call” knows it: parents, grandparents, partners, and kids old enough to have a phone.
• Agree on the rule: any urgent request for money or personal information by phone gets the safe-word question first. No exceptions, no embarrassment about asking.
• Practice once. Call a family member this week and run through it, so it feels normal before it matters.

When you get a scary call

1. Don’t panic, don’t send money, don’t share any codes.
2. Ask for the safe word. A real family member will know it instantly.
3. If they can’t give it, hang up — then call the person back on their real number, the one already in your contacts.
4. Remember: even if the voice sounds exactly right, voices can be faked. Safe words can’t be guessed.