Think you’re talking to someone you know? Think again.
November 10, 2025 – San Diego County Sheriff's Office officials report that scammers are now using artificial intelligence (AI) 
to clone voices, mimic faces, and pretend to be your loved ones, co-workers, or even law enforcement officers.
Click through this post to learn how AI imposter scams work — and how to protect yourself from being fooled.
Red Flags to Watch For:
A “family member” calls in distress and begs for money.
Requests for payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Caller pressures you to act fast — “Don’t tell anyone!”
The voice or video sounds real, but something feels off.
What to Do:
- Hang up and call the person back using a known number.
- Never send money or share personal info without verifying first.
- Report scams to the FTC
AI can make fakes look and sound real — but a quick pause to verify could save you thousands.
Source: San Diego County Sheriff's Office
Related: Placer County Sheriff Issues Public Service Announcement About Malvertising Scams
Kern County Sheriff Issues Scam Alert – Beware of Phone & Text Message Scams
Mariposa County Sheriff Issues a Scam Alert Warning Residents of Fake Warrant Calls Seeking Payment
Orange County Sheriff Issues a Phishing Scam Warning - Protect Yourself, Don’t Take the Bait
Stanislaus County Sheriff Issues a Scam Alert of Fraudulent Bail Bond Calls Targeting Families
Placer County Sheriff Issues Scam Alert for Local Businesses
Tulare County Sheriff Announces New Scam Uses Fake TCSO Website to Trick Victims
Placer County Sheriff Issues a Scam Alert – Beware of New Warrant, Jail, and Missed Jury Duty Scams
Madera County Sheriff Issues a Scam Alert - Payment is Never Demanded Over the Phone
Placer County Sheriff Issues Warning of Fake Tech Support Scams Targeting Seniors
Santa Barbara County Sheriff Warns Community About Phone Scams: Hang Up, Don’t Pay
Tulare County Sheriff Warns of Latest Phone Scam - Warrant for Missed Jury Duty Seeking Payment
Tulare County Sheriff Issues a Scam Alert Warning of Latest Phone Scam
Tulare County Sheriff Issues a Scam Alert - Latest Phone Scam Uses Number to TCSO Dispatch
Sierra County Sheriff Issues a Scam Alert - Impersonators Posing as Jail Staff Seeking Money
Merced County Sheriff Issues a Scam Alert Warning the Public of Warrant Phone Scam
Placer County Sheriff Issues Scam Alert – Do Not Pay Scam Callers Impersonating Law Enforcement
Scam Alert - Modesto Police Department Does Not Ask for Money or Banking Information Over the Phone
Fresno Police Department Issues Scam Alert - Beware of Scams Targeting the Elderly
Tuolumne County Sheriff Issues Scam Alert After Several Scams Have Been Reported Recently
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Issues Public Warning to Not Fall Victim to Car Buying Scam
