Level 3 shows how the threat landscape has changed. A scammer no longer needs to just write and call. They can sound like a loved one, look like an expert from an advertisement, or spend weeks building a relationship before asking for money. That is exactly why practising your response in a safe environment matters so much.
Scenarios in this level
Cloned grandchild's voice
Someone calls whose voice sounds familiar. The situation is dramatic, money is needed immediately and you must not tell anyone.
- You practise verifying the voice by calling your own contact number
- You learn to set up a family security password
- You recognise demands for secrecy and haste as alarm signals
Celebrity deepfake
A video looks professional and a familiar face encourages you to invest or make a "guaranteed" return. The video is designed to build trust faster than text.
- You learn not to trust an advert just because "you can see it on video"
- You check how fake material leads to a suspicious website
- You recognise unrealistic profit promises and missing licences
AI-assisted romance scam
The relationship develops slowly, with messages, photos and short recordings. A request for money only appears after a bond has been built.
- You recognise isolation from family and playing on sympathy
- You practise talking to a trusted person before every payment
- You learn that emotional bonds online also need verification
Fake video expert
On the other end appears a "consultant" who asks for a code, screen sharing or installation of a technical support tool.
- You recognise an attempt to take over your device via remote access
- You practise safely ending the call and uninstalling the tool
- You know that banks and authorities never ask for codes via video
The most important Level 3 rule
- Do not trust a voice, a face or the fact that someone knows personal details.
- Always return to independent verification: your own number, the official website, a conversation with a trusted person.
- If there is pressure for a quick transfer, delay the decision by at least 24 hours.
