AI voice cloning scams terrorize Beaumont family with fake hostage call - KFDM

A Beaumont family was recently terrorized by a scam involving AI voice cloning, creating a fake hostage situation in an attempt to extort money. The scammers cloned the voice of their daughter, Taylor Wingate, in an attempt to trick the parents into paying a ransom.

What happened

Leah and MJ Mott received a call from a man claiming to have their daughter, Taylor, and demanding money. The cloned voice sounded like their daughter, who was crying and asking to be rescued. The scammers demanded money, but the Beaumont police quickly confirmed that their daughter was safe and out of state with friends. Police warned residents to slow down, not panic, and not pay anyone in gift cards, which is another rising scam. They also advised residents to report such incidents to the police. The scammers reportedly use voice cloning technology, often sourced from social media. The family hopes their story will prevent other families from experiencing similar scams. Beaumont police suggest limiting personal information on social media and establishing a safe word or phrase for family members to verify their identity in emergencies.