MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) — A phone call from a loved one in trouble may not be what it seems, according to experts warning about an evolving scam targeting families in Middle Tennessee.

The scam often begins with a caller pretending to be a child or grandchild in urgent need of money, Dr. Sam Zaza, an associate professor at Middle Tennessee State University, said.

"'Hey, your grandson [or] granddaughter was in a car accident. We need you to transfer money right now to post their bail,'" Zaza explained, describing a typical script used by scammers that makes victims emotionally vulnerable. "...Usually you see those scams around when students go back to school so they are away from their parents.

Some victims of these "emergency scams" or "grandparent scams" realized too late that they had sent money overseas after missing small warning signs, according to Robyn Householder, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky.

"One of our victims, had they really paid close attention, they would have noticed that the phone number was an overseas number as opposed to something that's local," Householder said. "That’s why we always say slow down, really take a look at the information, think about the questions...that they're asking you."

Experts warn that artificial intelligence and “deepfake” technology make it harder than ever to rely solely on the sound of a voice. Instead, they recommend watching for red flags, such as an extreme sense of urgency, demands for untraceable payments through wire transfers or gift cards, and requests to keep the call a secret.

"If you really do believe this is a family member, try to challenge them with some information that only a family member would have," Householder advised.

If you suspect you're on the phone with a scammer, experts urge you to hang up and call the relative directly. However, if the money has already been sent, victims should report the call to law enforcement and the BBB.

As the holiday season approaches, Householder said you should start looking out for other schemes, including online shopping, fake charity, and home repair scams.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/scammers-using-ai-to-target-relatives-with-fake-emergency-calls/