Your Name in an AI Scam: The Weird Flattery of Being Used

Jan de Vries · 2026-06-02

You get a message from a friend. It's odd, but it seems normal at first. Then you realize: someone is using your name, your face, and your voice to trick people. It's a new kind of scam, and it's getting personal. Author RR Haywood recently wrote about this strange phenomenon. He described how AI scam tactics are becoming more sophisticated, more personal, and harder to detect. It's not just about fake emails anymore. It's about deepfakes, voice clones, and messages that feel real. ### How AI Scams Work Now Here's what's happening. Scammers use AI to copy your voice from a short video or phone call. They take your photo from social media. Then they create a fake version of you. They might call your mom, your boss, or your friend. The voice sounds exactly like you. The message feels real. - They clone your voice from a 30-second clip. - They use your face in video calls. - They impersonate you in real time. This isn't science fiction. It's happening right now. And it's working because we trust the people we know.  ### Why It Feels Like Flattery There's something weird about having your name used in a scam. It's a strange kind of flattery. Someone thought you were credible enough to steal your identity. They picked you because people trust you. That's not a compliment you ever want to receive. Haywood points out that these scams are becoming more personal. They're not just targeting you. They're targeting everyone who knows you. And they're using your reputation against them. ### What You Can Do About It So how do you protect yourself? First, be careful about what you share online. That short video of you laughing at a party could be used to clone your voice. Second, set up a safe word with your family. If someone calls and asks for money, ask for the word. If they don't have it, it's a scam. - Keep your social media posts limited. - Use a safe word with close contacts. - Verify any request for money or personal info. Third, report scams when you see them. The more we talk about this, the harder it is for scammers to succeed. ### The Bigger Picture This isn't just about individual scams. It's about how AI is changing trust. We used to trust our eyes and ears. Now we can't always do that. The technology is moving faster than our ability to detect it. Haywood's article is a reminder that we need to stay alert. The flattery of having your name used in a scam is real. But it's also a warning. The next time you get a call from a friend asking for help, stop and think. Is it really them? ### Final Thoughts AI is a powerful tool. It can create art, write emails, and help us work faster. But it can also be used to hurt us. The best defense is awareness. Talk to your friends and family. Share what you know. And remember: if something feels off, it probably is. The strange flattery of being used in a scam is a sign of the times. But you can stay ahead by staying informed. Keep your guard up, and don't let the flattery fool you.