AI-cloned doctor calls trick Mandarin speakers in Victoria into buying gift cards

Victoria's police cybercrime squad has issued an alert after ten reports of AI-driven phone scams targeting Mandarin-speaking residents. The fraudsters employ voice-cloning technology to mimic doctors, surgeons or general practitioners, often using the victim's real name before demanding the purchase of gift cards and the transmission of the PIN codes via text. In one case, a victim spent $50,000 on gift cards over three days before realizing the deception, while another lost $40,000 after repeated pressure to buy more cards.

Detective Acting Inspector Eleanor Vallas warned that genuine medical professionals never ask for such payments and urged people to verify calls by contacting the clinic on its official number. Authorities recommend hanging up on suspicious calls, retaining phone logs, and reporting incidents promptly.