Mon Mar 31 09:00:00 UTC 2025: ## AI Voice Cloning Scams Target Iowans: BBB Warns of Sophisticated New Fraud

**Cedar Rapids, IA** – A new wave of sophisticated scams leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) is targeting Iowans, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns. Criminals are using AI voice cloning technology to mimic the voices of family members, bosses, and other trusted individuals, creating realistic-sounding phone calls and voicemails to trick victims into sending money.

The technology requires only a small audio sample to clone a voice, making it increasingly easy for scammers to create convincing fraudulent communications. One recent case reported to the BBB involved a victim who received a voicemail seemingly from their daughter-in-law, detailing a fabricated car accident and requesting urgent payment for legal fees. Another example involved a fraudulent request for a large sum of money from a supposed superior at work. In both instances, victims lost money before realizing the calls were fake.

Bobby Hansen, regional director for the Better Business Bureau Cedar Rapids office, urges Iowans to remain vigilant. He emphasizes the importance of verifying requests for money, particularly urgent requests made through unconventional channels like payment apps. Always contact the supposed caller via a known and verified phone number or method to confirm the request’s legitimacy.

The Gazette, which offers audio versions of its articles through Instaread, notes the potential for mispronunciations in AI-generated speech, highlighting the need for caution when relying on audio-only communication.

The BBB urges anyone who suspects they’ve been targeted by an AI voice cloning scam to report the incident to the BBB Scam Tracker. For more information or to report a scam, contact the BBB Cedar Rapids office at (319) 365-1190 or info@dm.bbb.org.

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