By Kenneth Marcos 
It starts with a familiar voice—a parent, a sibling, a close friend. They sound urgent, asking for money or personal details. But something doesn’t feel right. The number is unknown, and the story doesn’t add up. Could it be fake?
In today’s digital world, artificial intelligence (AI) can now copy a person’s voice with shocking accuracy. That means even your own voice—or your loved ones’—can be used by scammers to trick you into giving away money or sensitive information.
The latest warning from Land Bank of the Philippines urges the public to be extra cautious when receiving voice calls, especially from unknown numbers. Even if the voice sounds familiar, pause and verify first.
Scammers Are Now Using AI to Clone Voices
AI voice cloning uses advanced technology to copy how a person talks, including their tone, pitch, and manner of speaking. With just a short audio sample from a social media post, a video, or a voice message, criminals can create fake voice recordings that sound exactly like real people.
This kind of scam is part of a growing global trend called vishing (voice phishing), where fraudsters call victims pretending to be someone they trust. They often create a false emergency—like a family member being in trouble—to pressure the victim into sending money immediately.
In the Philippines, cases like these are starting to rise, targeting people from all walks of life, including seniors and young professionals.
Think Before You Share Online
According to cybersecurity experts, many voice samples used in scams come from what people post publicly online. Videos, voice notes, and even TikTok or Facebook content can be recorded and used without permission.
That’s why Landbank reminds the public to be careful with what they post and share online. Even seemingly harmless videos or audio clips could end up being misused by cybercriminals.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
Here are some practical tips to protect yourself:
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Pause and verify. If someone calls asking for money or sensitive data—even if the voice sounds familiar—always double-check by calling them back using their known number.
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Don’t trust unknown numbers. Be cautious when receiving unexpected calls from numbers not saved in your contacts.
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Protect your voice. Avoid posting personal videos or audio publicly if not necessary.
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Report suspicious calls. If you encounter voice scams or phishing attempts, report them to your bank or proper authorities.
For Landbank clients, you can report suspicious activity through:
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Customer Care Hotline: (02) 8-405-7000 or 1-800-10-405-7000 (PLDT Toll-Free)
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Email: reportphishing@landbank.com
Be a #CyberSigurista
In an age where even your own voice can be faked, staying alert is your best protection. Being a “Cyber Sigurista” means being careful about who you trust online, what you share, and how you respond to unexpected messages.
AI is powerful—but so is awareness. Protect yourself, your family, and your finances by staying informed and thinking twice before acting on emotional or urgent calls.
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