Scammers are using AI to impersonate high-profile targets, such as celebrities and politicians. Here’s how you can stay safe.
You can find the products mentioned in this article linked below
Commerce Link
*CNET may get a commission on these offers
Link to CNET article: Read more about X on CNET.com:
Timecode Chapters:
00:00 The Threat of AI Impersonation
01:25 How Deepfakes Are Used in Politics
04:07 The Rise of Hyper-Personalized Fraud
05:42 Testing a Voice Clone on My Boss
07:11 Audio Blind Taste Test With My Sister
11:10 How to Stay Vigilant Against AI Clones
Video Credits:
Host: Katelyn Chedraoui
Scripted by:Katelyn Chedraoui
Producer: Numi Prasarn
Camera: Carly Marsh
Video Editor: Jon Gomez
Thumbnail Designer: Zooey Liao
Add CNET as a trusted news source
Never miss a deal again! See CNET’s browser extension 👉
Check out CNET’s Amazon Storefront:
Subscribe to CNET on YouTube:
Follow us on TikTok:
Follow us on Instagram:
Follow us on Bluesky:
Like us on Facebook:
CNET’s AI Atlas:
Follow us on X:
Visit CNET.com:
@CallowXayne
August 20, 2026 at 8:27 am
One problem is some people’s voices are naturally kind of deep and monotone.
@Lainey-w6e
August 20, 2026 at 10:09 am
One problem is some people’s voices are naturally kind of deep and monotone. ….
@Royce16727
August 20, 2026 at 10:20 am
This is the worst that it will ever be – AI is going to keep getting better and better – and I do worry that people with Less “emotional intelligence” or less personal knowledge can still be fooled, but the best defense is still, and probably always will be taking a moment to control your emotional reaction before responding. 👍 good reporting!
@Statler_and_Waldorf
August 20, 2026 at 11:02 am
how would this even work? ya have to get the voice, figure out a number associated and then call that number? how does that part work??
@JBerton
August 20, 2026 at 11:50 am
@Statler_and_Waldorf ask ai
@froglady7491
August 20, 2026 at 2:19 pm
The question I have is about the introduction voicemail, which was also the last voicemail in the test. If the one sister who is would have been recording the message was just reading lines, would she have had the same emotions showing up in her voice as if she was actually in that situation? I am not sure that is a fair test, because unless this sister is a good (emphasis on good) actor, she might have two different voices.
@tonyc2227
August 20, 2026 at 2:50 pm
Are you a twin ? Your sister looks like you
@English-learner-26
August 20, 2026 at 5:26 pm
The background music is annoying. I can’t stand it for 12 minutes. I’m skipping the video at 1:56