The Hellenic Police is warning the public about a new form of telephone scam that uses artificial intelligence to imitate the voices of relatives and other people known to potential victims.
Authorities are urging people not to disclose personal or financial information, details about household members or whether they are away from home. Anyone receiving a suspicious call should immediately end the conversation, avoid opening the door to strangers and notify police.
Police are placing particular emphasis on informing elderly relatives and minors, warning that even a completely familiar voice on the phone may have been generated or altered using artificial intelligence.
How the scams work
According to the Hellenic Police, the new method can involve several stages.
First, a person may receive a deceptive phone call, for example from someone claiming to represent a mobile phone company. During the conversation, the caller may record a sample of the person’s voice.
The scammers may then call a relative who is at home, posing as employees or technicians of HEDNO, Greece’s electricity distribution network operator. They claim there is a supposed electrical fault or leak and ask to be allowed into the home.
During the call, the potential victim may hear a voice in the background that closely resembles that of their relative. The simulated voice encourages the victim to cooperate and follow the callers’ instructions.
Police said the number of such incidents recorded so far remains limited, but stressed that public awareness is essential. Recognizing the method early could help prevent scams, particularly those targeting elderly people and minors.
What police advise
The Hellenic Police recommends that people:
- Immediately end any suspicious phone call.
- Never disclose personal or financial information, details about household members or whether they are away from home.
- Do not assume that a familiar voice alone proves the caller’s identity.
- End the call and contact the relative themselves using a phone number they already know.
- Verify the caller’s identity with a question or piece of information known only to family members, or with a predetermined safety word or phrase.
- Do not open the door or allow strangers into the home simply because they requested access over the phone.
- Never hand over or place money or valuables in locations specified by a caller.
- Verify any scheduled work by contacting the relevant organization directly through its official phone number.
- Immediately inform relatives if they have received a suspicious call.
Police also reminded the public that a legitimate technical inspection will never require someone to reveal where money or valuables are kept, or to hand over cash, jewelry or other valuable items.
Anyone who receives a suspicious phone call or encounters strangers at their home is urged to immediately notify the Hellenic Police, even if the attempted scam was unsuccessful. Reports can be made by calling 100, contacting the relevant police station, or reaching the appropriate Crime Investigation and Prosecution Department.
If possible, people should also retain the number from which the call was made and any other information that could help authorities investigate.
