June 15, 2025, 1:26 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
They sound like real emergency calls, use artificial intelligence, and appeal to our willingness to help–but behind many supposed cries for help lies ruthless fraud. Recognizing typical patterns can protect yourself and others.
Shock calls remain a serious threat: Criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) and emotional pressure for phone scams to obtain money and data. Experts advise caution and offer clear behavioral tips.
Phone scams remain dangerous–especially due to AI use
Fraudulent shock calls continue to cause significant damage–often with dramatic stories such as accidents, hospital stays, or robberies, presented via phone, SMS, messenger, or email. Anyone receiving such messages should be particularly vigilant, especially if money is demanded quickly.
Currently, criminals often use a supposed “bail” to prevent a relative’s pretrial detention. The Berlin Public Prosecutor’s Office clarifies: “If the called party hears the word bail during the conversation, they can be sure that the call is an attempted fraud.”
Deceptively real voices through AI
The perpetrators now also use artificial intelligence to mimic voices almost perfectly. According to Verbraucherzentrale Bremen, a short voice sample, such as from social networks, is enough to create so-called deepfake calls with an imitated voice profile. This makes it difficult even for attentive people to recognize the fraud in time.
The scheme always remains the same: apply pressure, create fear, and urge quick action–before the victim has a chance to think or verify.
Also interesting: How to recognize scam SMS
Police tips: How to recognize fraud
The Police Crime Prevention provides clear guidance on how to protect yourself from such attacks:
- Don’t guess who’s calling: Always ask callers to introduce themselves with their full name.
- Don’t reveal details: Do not disclose any personal, family, or financial information.
- Verify hidden identity: Ask for information that only real relatives or acquaintances would know.
- Don’t accept pressure: Take your time to verify. Call the affected person back at a known number.
- Don’t handle money demands alone: Talk to trusted people before handing over money or valuables.
- Secure valuables: Keep large sums of money and jewelry in a bank safe–not at home.
- Never hand money to strangers: Not even to supposed police officers. Report suspicious calls to the police immediately at 110.
- Report perpetrators: Anyone who has fallen victim to fraud should file a report immediately–this also helps the investigative authorities.
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Prevent AI phone scams with four simple measures
According to Police Crime Prevention, four simple steps can help prepare for potential fraud attempts:
- Agree on a code word: Set up a secret password with your family or close friends that only you know.
- Revise phone book entry: Remove yourself from the phone book or at least shorten your first name (e.g., H. Schmidt instead of Herta Schmidt) to avoid revealing your age. The Crime Prevention offers a change form for download.
- Raise awareness in your circle: Inform relatives and friends about the scheme–those who are warned are more likely to recognize the fraud.
- Block nuisances: Repeatedly disturbing numbers can be blocked on smartphones and additionally reported to the Federal Network Agency. This can be done via email to “rufnummernmissbrauch@bnetza.de” or via online form. In messenger services like WhatsApp, users can activate the “Silence calls from unknown” function under “Privacy.”
With material from dpa