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AI Voice-Cloning Scam Steals $5,400, Experts Warn “Scamdemic”

5/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Scammers used AI voice cloning to impersonate a daughter, leading Deborah Del Mastro in Martinez, California to wire $5,400 to Mexico.
Erin West of Operation Shamrock warned AI voice-cloning scams are rising, called them a “scamdemic,” and urged families to verify calls with a code word and treat money requests as flags.
Del Mastro said she expects no recovery and now shares location data with relatives to prevent future scams.

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Story summary

Scammers used AI voice cloning to impersonate a daughter, leading Deborah Del Mastro in Martinez, California to wire $5,400 to Mexico.
Erin West of Operation Shamrock warned AI voice-cloning scams are rising, called them a “scamdemic,” and urged families to verify calls with a code word and treat money requests as flags.
Del Mastro said she expects no recovery and now shares location data with relatives to prevent future scams.