Good morning.
Today's 2-minute fix: pick a family code word
Scammers now use AI to copy a voice from a few seconds of video. Then they call Grandma. "It's me. I'm in trouble. Please don't tell Mom."
A family code word stops that call.
Do this today:
Pick one word only your family knows. Not a pet's name. Not anything on Facebook.
Tell your parents and your kids. In person or on a call. Not by text.
The rule: anyone who calls asking for money must say the word. No word, no money. Hang up and call them back on their usual number.
Going around now
The grandparent scam is back, with AI voices.
The FBI warned ahead of Grandparents Day, Cleveland 19 reports. Scammers pose as a grandchild who needs money fast, often "at college". In Ohio alone, people over 60 lost $80 million to fraud last year. The average victim lost $20,000.
If money was wired, act fast. Report it to IC3.gov within 24 to 72 hours. An FBI agent said the recovery rate is then over 50%.
Quick alerts
Medicare enrollment opens October 15. Scammers buy search ads that look like Medicare.gov. Skip anything marked "Ad" or "Sponsored". Use Medicare.gov or call 800-633-4227, the FTC advises.
Fake police and fake officials. The FBI logged nearly 61,000 complaints from January 2025 to July 2026, with over $1.6 billion lost. Callers claim you missed court or your license expired. Some even use AI video calls. Real officials never demand payment by phone or text.
QR codes on parking meters. The FTC warns some are fake stickers over the real code. Check the link preview before you pay. When in doubt, use the meter or the city's official app.
Forward this to Mom and Dad
Mom, Dad, if anyone ever calls saying they're me or the kids and they need money, ask for our code word. If they don't know it, hang up and call me. Even if the voice sounds exactly like me.
From the Look Twice editors. Every fact links to its source. This is a sample issue. Get the next one free.
