Family Safe Word Checklist
A cloned voice can sound exactly like someone you love. A safe word is a secret word or phrase that only your close family knows. If someone calls claiming to be family in trouble, you ask for the word. Setting one up takes about five minutes.
Set it up
- Pick a word or phrase. Choose something memorable but not guessable, like “blue pancakes” or the name of an old family pet. Avoid anything posted online, such as a street name or a birthday.
- Share it in person or by phone. Never in a group text or on social media.
- Tell the right people. Make sure grandparents, parents and older grandchildren all know it.
- Agree on the rule. “If you ever call me in an emergency asking for money, I’ll ask for the word.”
- Practice once. Try it one time, so it feels natural rather than awkward.
- No word? Hang up. Then call that family member directly on the number you already have.
- Review it once a year. Change it sooner if you think someone outside the family has heard it.
If a call or message feels off
Step 1: Stop
Take a breath. Don’t act yet.
Step 2: Hang up
Don’t click, reply or press buttons.
Step 3: Call back
On a number you already know.
Never act on urgency. Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency because someone asked you to.
Who knows our word (don’t write the word itself here):
From AI for Grownups, ai4grownups.com. Based on Module 5, “Staying Safe.”