AI Can Copy Your Voice

A1 Level – Beginner

AI Can Copy Your Voice

Some scammers are using new computer technology called AI (artificial intelligence) to trick people. They can copy your voice and sound like you on the phone.

One scammer pretended to be a US government worker. He called and sent messages to other leaders. People believed it was a real person, but it was a fake voice made by a computer.

Scammers find short videos of people talking, for example on TikTok. Then they use these videos to make a fake voice. They can use this voice to ask for money or important information.

How to stay safe:

• Don’t trust strange calls or texts.

• If a friend or family member asks for help, call them on a number you know.

• Never give personal information (like your birthday or full name) online.

• Use a secret word with your family so you know it is really them.

New Words

1. Voice – the sound you make when you speak
   Example: Her voice is very quiet.
   
   

2. Scam – a trick to get your money or information
   Example: That email was a scam.
   
   

3. Fake – not real
   Example: This watch looks real, but it is fake.
   
   

4. Call – to talk on the phone
   Example: I will call my sister tonight.
   
   

5. Safe – not in danger
   Example: Lock the door to stay safe.
   
   

Discussion Topics

1. Do you answer phone calls from unknown numbers?

2. How do you talk to your family—phone, messages, or in person?

3. What should you do if someone asks you for money?

4. Do you use apps like TikTok or YouTube?

5. Have you ever heard about a scam?
   
   

A2 Level – Elementary

AI Can Copy Your Voice – Be Careful of Scams

Scammers are now using AI (artificial intelligence) to make fake voices. They can sound just like you or someone you know. One scammer copied the voice of a US government official and tricked other leaders.

These fake voices can be made with just 3 seconds of audio, often from social media like TikTok. The scammer then uses the voice to ask people for money or secret information.

This kind of scam is called voice cloning. It can be very dangerous because it sounds real.

How to protect yourself:

• Don’t trust calls or texts from people you don’t expect.

• If someone you know asks for help, call them back on their real number.

• Be careful with what you share online (your birthday, phone number, or pet name).

• Make a secret word with close family members to check if a message is real.
  
  

New Words

1. Clone – to make a copy of something
   Example: The scammer cloned his voice.
   
   

2. Scammer – a person who tricks others
   Example: The scammer tried to steal money.
   
   

3. Message – words sent by phone or online
   Example: I got a message from my friend.
   
   

4. Dangerous – can cause harm
   Example: It is dangerous to share passwords online.
   
   

5. Protect – to keep safe
   Example: You must protect your personal information.
   
   

Discussion Topics

1. Have you seen fake videos or news online?

2. What would you do if someone called you and asked for money?

3. Do you use social media? What do you post?

4. Why is it important to protect your voice and photos online?

5. Would you use a secret word with your family?
   
   

B1 Level – Intermediate

AI Voice Scams Are on the Rise – Here’s How to Stay Safe

Scammers are now using AI to copy people’s voices. This is called voice cloning. With just a few seconds of audio - like from TikTok or YouTube - they can make a fake version of someone’s voice.

One scammer pretended to be a top US government official and contacted politicians using voice and text messages. They used an app called Signal. Authorities still don’t know who was behind it.

The goal of these scams is to steal personal information or money. These scams can be very realistic and dangerous.

Tips to protect yourself:

• Don’t trust unknown callers - even if the voice sounds familiar.

• Contact people directly using numbers or emails you know.

• Don’t rely on caller ID. Scammers can fake it.

• Watch out for strange words or tones in a message.

• Use a secret code word with your family to confirm identities.

• Be careful what you post online - voice, name, pet, birthday, etc.
  
  

New Words

1. Impersonate – to pretend to be someone else
   Example: The scammer impersonated a government official.
   
   

2. Fraud – a trick to cheat someone
   Example: Voice fraud is becoming common with AI.
   
   

3. Caller ID – the phone number that appears when someone calls
   Example: Scammers can fake caller ID.
   
   

4. Verify – to check if something is true
   Example: Always verify who is calling you.
   
   

5. Platform – a digital service or app
   Example: TikTok is a social media platform.
   
   

Discussion Topics

1. Do you think voice cloning is scary? Why or why not?

2. How would you verify if a voice message is real?

3. Should people be more careful about what they post online?

4. What rules do you follow to stay safe on the internet?

5. Have you or someone you know ever received a scam call or message?

Follow-up

Get additional listening and reading practice:

A1 level - Listening Mini-Tests and Reading Exercises

A2 level - Listening Mini-Tests and Reading Exercises

B1 level - Listening Mini-Tests