Impersonation of family members, executives and household staff peaks when everyone is travelling.
The scam
A message arrives from a child away at school, an assistant, or the CEO — new number, urgent tone, a favour that involves money or gift cards. Voice cloning has made the phone call version frighteningly convincing, and the holidays give the scammer a ready excuse for why the person cannot be reached the usual way.
How to stay safe
Agree a family code word
A shared phrase that confirms identity on any unexpected request for money, codes or access — and that no one shares online.
Call back on a known number
Hang up and ring the person on the number you already have. A genuine request survives the delay.
