The Secret Code: How Families and Businesses Can Outsmart Deepfakes and Voice Fraud
- Nov 4, 2025
- 3 min read
With deepfake scams and voice cloning on the rise, businesses and families alike need smarter ways to confirm who’s really on the other end of a call or video meeting. One simple, low-tech solution? Use secret code phrases — discreet, everyday questions and answers that quietly verify identity without tipping off potential fraudsters.
Why It Matters
Modern AI voice and video tools can mimic a trusted colleague or family member with uncanny precision. That’s why relying only on tone, face, or urgency isn’t enough anymore.Instead, set up a few casual “authentication” phrases known only to your inner circle or team. These are designed so that the person initiating the call or request must naturally respond correctly — proving they are who they claim to be.
How It Works
The key is subtlety. The phrase should sound like normal conversation — not like a security check. If the person replies with the right context or answer, you can proceed. If not, pause immediately and verify through another trusted channel.
Here are a few examples you can start using right away:
Example 1 — Urgent Payment Request (Phone Call)
You say: “Hey, quick thing — what did you say you brought for lunch today?”
Secret Code 1: “Tuna sandwich”
Secret Code 2: “Veg wrap”
If they hesitate, deflect, or give a random answer, hang up and call them back on their official number.
Example 2 — Video Call Asking for a Password Reset
You say: “Quick housekeeping: who grabbed the blue notebook this morning?”
Secret Code 1: “Red spine”
Secret Code 2: “Left at reception”
Anyone deepfaking your coworker won’t have the context to answer naturally.
Example 3 — “Family Emergency” Call
You say: “I’m so sorry — can you remind me what we had for dessert last Sunday?”
Secret Code 1: “Grandma’s blackberry pie”
Secret Code 2: “Orange pretzels”
Scammers often use emotional pressure. A real relative will answer instinctively.
Example 4 — Vendor Changing Bank Details
You say (email or chat): “Thanks — quick question: what did you say you’d pick up from the store earlier?”
Secret Code 1: “Purple toilet paper”
Secret Code 2: “A 24-pack of water”
If they stumble or seem lost, verify the change via a known contact number — not the one in the message.
Example 5 — Quick Access or Password Reset Request
You say: “Quick check — is Bingo at the window?”
Secret Code 1: “Sleeping in the closet”
Secret Code 2: “Chasing the curtains”
If the reply doesn’t fit one of the agreed-upon answers, don’t proceed.
Additional Safeguards for Businesses
Confirm identity over your internal chat tool before acting on any unusual request.
Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all financial and system access.
Record and verify voice or video requests for high-risk actions.
Train teams regularly on AI-based impersonation scams.
Maintain a written incident response plan so everyone knows the escalation path.
The Bottom Line
In an era of deepfakes and synthetic voices, it’s no longer about being paranoid — it’s about being prepared. A well-timed casual question could stop a six-figure loss or data breach.
Hawki IT helps businesses strengthen their security posture with practical tools, awareness training, and managed protection.
Book your complimentary IT strategy consultation today.
📞 1-888-429-5448 | ✉️ sales@hawkiit.com | 🌐 www.hawkiit.com/get-started
