AI voice cloning increases 'Hi Mum' scam risk

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making the 'Hi Mum' scam more convincing by enabling scammers to clone a person's voice from short audio recordings found on social media, voicemail or other public sources.

Using AI-generated voice messages or phone calls, scammers impersonate loved ones and create a sense of urgency to convince victims to send money.

How it works

1. A scammer obtains a voice sample of a family member.
2. AI software creates a realistic voice clone.
3. The scammer contacts the victim with a fake emergency.
4. The victim is pressured to transfer money.
5. Funds are quickly moved through multiple accounts.

Protect yourself

• Be cautious of urgent requests for money.
• Verify requests by calling the person on a known number.
• Never share personal or financial information without confirming the request is legitimate.

If in doubt, stop, verify and contact the person directly.

More information

• How to report a scam
  NT resources for reporting scams and identity theft, including Consumer Affairs, Scamwatch and IDCARE, plus advice to help identify and avoid scams.
• Scamwatch (Report a scam)
  Official Australian Government resource for scam alerts, reporting scams and prevention advice.
• National Anti-Scam Centre
  Information on emerging scam trends, scam statistics and national scam prevention initiatives.
• NT Consumer Affairs - scams
  NT-specific scam information, resources and reporting options for Territorians.
• Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC)
  Advice on cyber security, online safety and reporting cybercrime.
• IDCARE
  Free national identity and cyber support service for people impacted by scams, fraud or identity theft.