Safe word: What is it and why do you need one?

Deepfake audio scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and prevalent, utilizing readily available audio from social media and other online sources to impersonate loved ones and carry out scams, particularly virtual kidnapping schemes. A simple solution – agreeing on a ‘safe word’ with family members – can significantly reduce the success rate of these scams by providing a clear signal that the call is not legitimate. The article details how scammers operate, the steps to take if you’ve been targeted, and offers practical advice on mitigating the risk and responding to a potential attack.