Glossary/AI impersonation

Glossary term

AI impersonation

AI impersonation is when someone uses artificial intelligence — voice, video, or text — to convincingly pretend to be a person or brand you trust in order to steal money or data.

What it is

AI tools can clone a voice from a short sample, generate a face that lip-syncs on video, or write messages in someone's style. Scammers use that to pose as a CEO, a family member, a coworker, or customer support.

The technology makes old social-engineering scripts feel new and urgent. You may hear Mom, I'm in trouble in a familiar voice, or see a video call that looks real until you dig deeper.

How it works

  1. Harvest — Attackers gather public audio, photos, or writing samples from social media, webinars, or prior breaches.
  2. Synthesize — They generate a clone voice, deepfake video, or AI-written message.
  3. Deliver — A call, video chat, email, or DM delivers a crisis or payment request.
  4. Bypass — Urgency and familiarity push you past normal verification.
  5. Cash out — Wire, gift cards, crypto, payroll diversion, or credential theft.
  6. This overlaps with deepfakes, AI voice clones, vishing, and business email compromise.

Red flags

  • An urgent money or data request from someone who refuses a second verification channel
  • Voice or video that sounds almost right but avoids live, unscripted conversation
  • Don't tell anyone or I'll explain later pressure
  • Payment instructions that change at the last minute (new account, crypto, gift cards)
  • A boss or relative contacting you from an unfamiliar number or account
  • Messages that reference public details about you but miss private shared history

What to do if you’re targeted

  • **Use a pre-agreed code word or callback** on a known number before sending money or sensitive data.
  • **Prefer live verification** — a call you place, or a question only the real person would answer.
  • **If you already transferred funds:** contact your bank immediately and report to ReportFraud.ftc.gov and IC3.gov (U.S.).
  • **Harden accounts** — unique passwords, MFA, and caution with public voice/video posts.
  • **Warn family and finance teammates** that AI clones exist so urgency alone is not proof.
  • **Optional:** monitor for account takeover and exposure with a free identity scan or ongoing protection.

Related terms

Next steps

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