Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued a warning this week that scammers appear to be using voice clones generated by artificial intelligence to defraud consumers. 

The evolving technology allows scammers to try tricking people they call into thinking a loved one is in trouble and needs money or gift cards. Some scammers may combine this technology with spoofing equipment so that it seems a call is coming from a friend or family member, Mayes said.  

“Scammers are using AI technology to personalize scams and mimic a loved one’s voice—or to send similar personalized text messages—to trick people,” she said.

“Receiving a call from a loved one in distress, with a voice that appears to be real, can easily push a consumer into rushing to send money or other forms of payment.”

The attorney general said the public needs to be wary of calls asking for emergency money.

“Contact the family member who is supposed to be calling to verify the ask – and always seek help from others, including law enforcement, before sending any form of payment,” officials said in a release.

Those who believe they have been the victim of fraud, can file a complaint by visiting www.azag.gov/consumer.