Denmark alerts public to AI voice‑phishing scams targeting families

Artificial intelligence is now able to copy a child's voice convincingly, enabling fraudsters to trick parents into sending money via MobilePay. The scam works by sending an SMS from an unknown number; when the parent calls back, an AI‑generated voice of the child asks for an immediate transfer. MobilePay warned that the technique has already been used in Denmark and recommends a security word, never approving payments not initiated by the user, and calling back on a saved number.

Separate incidents across South‑ and North‑Jutland show criminals also using AI‑cloned voices to impersonate police or bank officials. Calls began on 16 July 2026, with perpetrators claiming to be from a special police unit and demanding account details. The technology requires only three seconds of audio from a public social‑media profile to produce a realistic voice copy, often paired with caller‑ID spoofing. Europol warned in March 2025 that such tools are freely available and easy to use, and U.S. authorities reported over $6 billion in losses from similar AI‑driven fraud.

Both reports highlight a growing threat as AI lowers the barrier for sophisticated voice‑phishing, prompting consumer advice and calls for coordinated action between authorities and payment providers.