The scam goes beyond a call that claims they’re holding a loved one for ransom. It may use voice cloning technology to mimic a loved one’s voice asking for help.
PEARLAND, Texas — A Pearland family is sharing their terrifying experience after being targeted by high-tech scammers.
It’s a tale of a scam that goes beyond the hardware. Voice cloning technology can be used for a lot of good, but in the wrong hands, it can do a lot of harm. The scams are aiming straight for the heart.
Last Saturday, John Bridges said he was having dinner at his Pearland home when his phone rang.
“I answer it, and it’s someone crying,” Bridges said.
“I’ve had an accident, daddy. Help me,” the voice on the line said.
He said the voice sounded exactly like his daughter, Brittany.
Bridges said after hearing what he believed to be his daughter’s plea, a man got on the phone and said, “I’ve got your daughter. She’s in my car.”
“It was terrifying,” he said.
Bridges said the man demanded him to listen, and if he didn’t, he might not ever see his daughter, Brittany, again. The caller told Bridges to stay on the phone, get cash…
