How AI is Making Callback Scams Alarmingly Convincing

• AI Scams
• Callback Scams
• Phone Security

Learn how scammers are using AI tools to turn basic scam calls into realistic, believable voicemails. Stay alert and protect yourself.

The Evolution of the Callback Scam

Scam calls used to be easy to spot. They were robotic, monotone, and full of vague threats. But with the rise of artificial intelligence, these old-school scams have become a lot more dangerous. Using simple tools, cybercriminals can now create convincing voicemails that sound just like a real person—polite, helpful, and legitimate.

Step 1: The Basic Scam Call

Here’s a typical voicemail many people still receive:

“Hello. This is an automated message from your bank's fraud department. We have detected suspicious activity on your account. Please call us back immediately at 1-800-***-**67 to verify your account information. Failure to respond may result in account suspension. Thank you.”

This type of message is generic and easy to ignore. But scammers have found ways to upgrade it.

Step 2: Humanising the Script with AI

Using AI writing tools like ChatGPT, scammers can rewrite these robotic messages to sound more natural and friendly. Here’s an example:

“Hey, this is Michael from the IRS. Uh, I just wanted to give you a quick call because we've noticed a bit of a mismatch between your reported income and the, um, information we've received from your employer. Could you give us a call back at your earliest convenience? My direct line is 1-800-***-**67.”

Suddenly, it sounds like a real person who’s just doing their job—complete with hesitations and filler words that create trust.

Step 3: Add a Realistic Voice

With tools like PlayHT, ElevenLabs or Resemble.AI, scammers can turn that text into lifelike speech. These AI voice tools generate audio that mimics human tone, emotion, and even accents. The final result? A voicemail that feels genuinely personal and believable.

Step 4: The Final Scam

All of this—rewriting, voice generation, and voicemail delivery—can be done in minutes. The result is a highly realistic scam message that sounds like it came from a government agency, a bank, or a tax office. Even people who usually spot scams might fall for it.

Why This Matters

With AI now freely available, scammers don’t need technical expertise. All they need is a script, a voice generator, and a victim. This makes scam calls harder to detect and more convincing than ever.

How to Protect Yourself

• Be sceptical of voicemails: Just because a message sounds human doesn’t mean it’s legitimate.
• Verify independently: If someone asks for personal information, always hang up and call the organisation using their official contact details.
• Don’t return missed calls to unknown numbers: Scammers often use numbers that mimic local or government lines.
• Avoid acting under pressure: Messages that use urgency or threats are classic scam tactics.
• Report suspicious activity: If you receive a scam call, report it to Scamwatch or your telecom provider.

Final Thoughts

This is the reality of scams in 2025: fast, sophisticated, and increasingly human. AI is a powerful tool—for both good and bad. But the best defence is still the same: awareness, critical thinking, and taking a moment before you act.

Because one calm moment can stop a scam cold.