DENVER (KDVR) — Someone calls and they sound just like a family member, but it’s really a computer-generated voice.

Technology experts say criminals are using artificial intelligence impersonation scams at an alarming rate to trick victims into handing over money, using high-pressure tactics that play on the victim’s emotions.

Cindy Hjerleid told FOX31 she received a call from someone who sounded just like her grandson, saying he had been in a bad accident and needed help.

“I thought that he was really scared. I mean, he’s 27, but he’s never been in trouble before,” she said.

Hjerleid was told to call another man posing as a Colorado Springs attorney who promised to help her son, but she would have to pay cash. The scammers even hired an innocent rideshare driver to pick up and deliver $5,000, which was placed in an envelope.

“I’m sick to my stomach. It was a lot of money,” Hjerleid said.

How to protect yourself from phone scammers

Brian Cather of CP Cyber said scammers are developing ways to use very little content to create fraudulent conversations.

“They can capture a video that’s less than 10 seconds long, and the AI can replicate that,” Cather said.

Unknown calls should be sent to voicemail and monitored later. If a call is being expected, Cather recommends not using your name when answering.

“I choose not to answer with my name, Brian. I just say hello, wait for a response,” Cather said.

Social media posts can be monitored by scammers as well.

“The more likes you get on Instagram and TikTok, the better you feel, I get it. Consider sharing your content to just your friend group,” Cather said.

Cather said another way to protect against scams that play on your emotions is to have a family safe word that only each of you know, then ask for it if you ever receive an emergency call.

‘They’re low-down, dirty dogs’

Hjerleid told FOX31 she did not have time to call her grandson for herself and verify the emergency, and she was under pressure to try to help him as soon as possible.

She said any scammer should consider the damage that is done to victims.

“They’re low-down, dirty dogs, and to take advantage of anyone, regardless of their age, and pull this kind of crap is awful,” Hjerleid said.