Spam Texts Are Catching Up to Robocalls – Charlotte’s WBT-AM / ABC News Radio
April 7, 2026
When a Call Sounds Like Someone You Love
It started with a few missed calls.
For Michael Bresler, that wasn’t unusual, his father would often call repeatedly if he didn’t pick up. But this time felt different.
Within minutes, those missed calls turned into panic.
And on the other end of the phone was something far more dangerous than a typical scam, it was a voice that sounded exactly like someone he trusted.
A Scam That Sounds Real
Michael’s father received a call that no parent ever wants to get.
The voice on the line sounded like his son.
It said he was in trouble, hospitalized, in police custody after a DUI and needed money immediately.
The details felt real.
The voice sounded real.
Even the way he spoke, the nickname he used, was familiar.
But it wasn’t him.
This was an AI voice cloning scam, where scammers use just seconds of audio to recreate someone’s voice and use it to manipulate victims.
Why These Scams Are So Dangerous
As our Managing Director, Matt Mizenko explains, these scams are designed to hit you where it matters most:
- Emotion - fear, panic, concern for loved ones
- Urgency - act now, no time to think
- Threat of loss - money, safety, or even life
When those three elements come together, even the most cautious person can feel pressured to act.
And when the voice sounds like someone you love?
That pressure becomes even harder to resist.
The Red Flags That Stopped This Scam
Fortunately, Michael noticed something didn’t add up.
He questioned the situation:
- His brother doesn’t drink, so a DUI didn’t make sense
- The payment request felt unclear and rushed
- The logistics didn’t line up
Instead of reacting emotionally, he paused.
That pause made all the difference.
He contacted his brother directly and confirmed it was a scam before any money was sent.
How AI Voice Scams Work
These scams are growing fast and they’re getting more convincing.
Here’s how they typically happen:
- Scammers gather audio from social media, videos, or voicemail
- AI tools replicate a person’s voice in seconds
- They create a high-pressure scenario (accident, arrest, emergency)
- They demand immediate payment or sensitive information
It’s no longer about random robocalls.
It’s about targeted, highly believable deception.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family
The good news: there are simple ways to stay safe.
Hang up and verify - If something feels off, hang up immediately. Call the person directly using a number you trust.
Don’t act on urgency alone - Scammers rely on panic. Real emergencies allow time to verify.
Create a family code word - Agree on a simple phrase that only your family knows. Use it to confirm real emergencies.
Talk about scams openly - As Michael said, there’s no shame in being targeted. Awareness is your best defense.
Use call and text protection tools - Spam blockers can help stop many scam attempts before they reach you.
If a call demands immediate action and money, slow down. Even if the voice sounds real.
Especially if it sounds real.
How Nomorobo Helps
Scammers are getting smarter but so is your protection.
Nomorobo helps block robocalls and scam texts before they reach you. Our technology analyzes patterns, detects suspicious behavior, and stops threats in real time.
That means:
- Fewer scam calls
- Less risk of emotional manipulation
- More confidence when your phone rings
AI has made scams more convincing than ever. But one thing hasn’t changed. Scammers still rely on panic.
- Take a moment
- Verify the situation
- And protect the people who matter most.
Sign up today and protect yourself from scams like this and thousands of other phone-based fraud attempts.
