In recent years, AI-driven deepfake scams have surged, exploiting sophisticated technology to mimic voices and deceive victims. Elizabeth Benz, a mother from Buffalo, New York, shares her harrowing experience when scammers used a fake voice of her son to demand ransom, nearly causing her to fall victim to the fraud.

Despite having a pre-agreed family codeword designed for emergencies, Benz was unable to recall it in the panic of the moment—highlighting that preparation involves more than just having a password; mental readiness is equally critical.

Why Codewords Matter

Experts like Hany Farid, co-founder of GetReal Security, emphasize that while scammers may replicate voices, they cannot guess personal secrets. A secret codeword serves as a vital tool to verify identity during suspicious calls, especially when loved ones appear to be in distress.

Farid advises choosing memorable but hard-to-guess phrases, often inside jokes, to confirm authenticity. The codeword should be requested whenever unusual or urgent requests arise, such as unexpected financial demands.

Recognizing Scam Red Flags

  • Urgency: Scammers pressure victims to act immediately without time to think.
  • Untraceable Payments: Requests for Bitcoin, gift cards, or cash are common scam tactics.
  • Isolation: Attempts to prevent contact with others to avoid verification.

Gary Schildhorn, a lawyer turned scam-safety advocate, stresses these red flags are designed to create fear and isolation, making victims more vulnerable.

Preparing Mentally and Practically

Brian Long, co-founder of Adaptive Security, highlights the importance of mental training to respond calmly during such crises. Regular practice of emergency protocols, including verifying codewords and consulting trusted contacts before taking action, can save lives and money.

Simple reminders, like setting quarterly alerts to rehearse these protocols with family members, help maintain readiness.

Elizabeth Benz concludes, "Awareness is the greatest tool." Her story underscores the urgent need for families worldwide to adopt secret codewords and mental preparedness to counter the growing threat of AI-enabled scams.