AI Takes Over Voices Too! Here’s How to Distinguish Between Real and AI-Generated Voices

AI can now create a fake voice that mimics a specific person; scammers can exploit this by posing as relatives, friends, or trusted individuals to commit fraud. Here is how you can tell the difference between a real voice and an AI-generated one.

Hearing a loved one's voice on the phone instantly builds trust that the call is genuine, but AI voice scams exploit that trust. AI can be used to create a fake voice that sounds just like a specific person's. According to reports, in some cases, a voice clone can be created from a sample as short as three seconds, sounding up to 85% like the real voice. Scammers can then use this cloned voice to call victims while posing as a relative or friend to pull off major scams. So, let’s look at how to distinguish between a real voice and an AI-generated one.

How do AI voice scams work?

In this type of scam, fraudsters first obtain a short audio sample of a person's voice. They then use AI voice cloning tools to create a copy of that voice. AI analyzes the speaking style, pitch fluctuations, and cadence to generate a new voice that mimics the original. This fake voice can then be used to impersonate a close contact.

How can you distinguish between a real voice and an AI voice?

1. Speaking Speed ​​– AI voices often speak at a very uniform speed and rhythm. While humans pause naturally during conversation, AI voices may exhibit unnatural or odd pauses.

2. Voice Fluctuations – Real humans vary their volume and pitch while speaking, and their voice may change due to breathing during long conversations. AI voices, however, often maintain a monotonous volume and tone.

3. Speaking Style – AI may sometimes mispronounce specific names, abbreviations, or complex words. Pronouncing certain words with unnatural clarity or in a repetitive, uniform manner can also be a sign of an AI-generated voice.

4. Technical glitches – If the voice sounds robotic or metallic, or if there are sudden pitch shifts or unnatural breaks between words, the audio might be AI-generated.

5. AI detectors – Certain online tools can analyze audio to help determine whether the voice might be synthetic. However, do not rely solely on AI detectors for critical matters.

6. Use a codeword – Establishing a codeword with your family beforehand can also be a way to distinguish between a real voice and an AI-generated one.

How can scammers access your voice?

Samples of your voice can be obtained from videos, reels, or voice notes shared on social media. Some scammers may also attempt to record your voice through spam calls or robocalls. Often, they ask simple questions designed to elicit a "yes" response, which can then be used later.