Imagine this…
You get a voicemail from your managing partner instructing you to wire funds immediately to close a deal.
The voice is unmistakably theirs — the same tone, cadence, even the familiar urgency.
You make the transfer… only to discover later that your partner never made the call.
Scary, right?
It’s not science fiction anymore. It’s happening right now — and law firms are among the prime targets.
How AI Is Supercharging Scams
Artificial intelligence is transforming how we work, communicate, and market — but it’s also arming cybercriminals with disturbingly powerful tools.
With just a few seconds of recorded speech — perhaps from a webinar, a YouTube clip, or even a voicemail — scammers can now use deepfake and AI voice cloning technology to recreate someone’s voice almost perfectly.
They use these fake voices to:
- Call your office pretending to be a partner or client
- Leave urgent voicemails requesting fund transfers
- Send recorded messages convincing enough to trick even cautious employees
It’s the next generation of social engineering — and it’s frighteningly effective.
Why Law Firms Are Prime Targets
Law firms make ideal victims for AI-driven scams for several reasons:
- Large Transactions: From settlements to real estate closings, firms often handle significant sums of money.
- Public Communication: Many attorneys appear in hearings, interviews, webinars, or firm videos — providing plenty of voice samples to clone.
- High Trust Environments: Attorneys, clients, and staff rely on established relationships and quick communication. When a familiar voice calls, few people question it.
That combination of accessibility, authority, and trust makes the legal sector especially vulnerable to deepfake and voice-cloning scams.
A Real-World Near Miss
Just a few months ago, a law firm nearly wired hundreds of thousands of dollars after receiving a voicemail that appeared to be from its managing partner. The message was urgent, specific, and completely believable.
Thankfully, a sharp-eyed paralegal hesitated and verified the request through another channel — preventing a catastrophic loss. But many firms aren’t so lucky. The scams are evolving faster than most people realize.
How to Protect Your Firm
The best defense against deepfake and AI voice scams isn’t fear — it’s preparedness.
Here’s how to safeguard your team and clients:
1. Verify Unusual Requests
Never rely on a single voicemail, text, or email — even if it sounds or looks legitimate.
Always confirm any urgent or high-value request in person or by calling a known, verified number.
2. Establish a Firm Policy
Create and enforce a rule such as:
“No wires or major actions without verbal confirmation from two trusted people.”
That simple step can stop most scams before they start.
3. Educate Your Team
Train everyone — attorneys, paralegals, and administrative staff — to recognize that voices and even videos can be faked.
Awareness is the most powerful security tool you have.
4. Limit Public Voice Samples
Be thoughtful about how much of your voice appears online.
When possible, restrict recordings or use watermarking technology to protect sensitive communications.
Deepfakes and AI voice scams represent the next wave of social engineering — but they’re not unbeatable.
By slowing down, verifying information, and building a culture of cybersecurity awareness, your firm can stay one step ahead.
Bonus Resource
For more real-world examples of digital deception and practical tips to protect your business, check out Game Over? Not Today! by Don Ivol — a must-read for any attorney serious about cybersecurity.
Stay Vigilant, Stay Informed
Deepfakes may mimic a voice, but they can’t replace human judgment.
Trust your instincts, double-check requests, and keep your firm — and your clients — safe from the next wave of AI-powered fraud.