‘Where is my son?’ Scammers using AI put US family through terrifying ordeal

It wasn’t until Trapp’s husband called the police directly, hours into the episode, that the couple realised it was a scam. The men were apparently using technology powered by artificial intelligence to copy Will’s voice. Will was quietly studying in his living room throughout the ordeal. — Dreamstime/TNS

Amy Trapp was in her office at the Mill Valley school where she works when she got a call from an unknown number.

She picked it up, thinking it might have something to do with the school fire drill from earlier in the day. Instead, a familiar voice – one she knew better than any other – was on the line.