Up in Birmingham, a phone rang — and it was her great-grandson's voice. Hurting, scared, asking for help. Except it wasn't him. It was a computer.

AI voice cloning isn't coming to Alabama — it's already here, and it only takes three seconds of someone's voice to build a convincing fake. In this episode of The Secure Self, we break down how these calls work, why your ears and even caller ID can't be trusted anymore, and the one simple habit that beats it every time: hang up, and call back on a number you already have saved.

Whether you're protecting your family or your small business, this one's for you.

🔒 The Secure Self is brought to you by The Secure Terminal, delivering plain-English cybersecurity help to families, small businesses, churches, and nonprofits across the Gulf Coast. Catch every episode and book a free consult at thesecureterminal.org.

Know Your Risk. Own Your Future.

"Unpaid traffic ticket." "Final notice." "Your license will be suspended today." If a text like that has hit your phone lately, you're not alone — one Alabama court fielded over 50 calls in a single day about it. In this launch episode of The Secured Self, we break down the three-ingredient scam recipe (urgency, a threat, a link), why scammers timed a new wave to Alabama's work-zone law, and the one rule that outs every fake government text for good: real agencies never text you for money. Plus, your "Do This Today" — two simple moves that shut it down cold.

Know Your Risk. Own Your Future.

Scams are getting smarter, but staying safe doesn't have to be complicated. The Secured Self breaks down the real threats facing Mobile and the Gulf Coast — and gives you simple steps you can take today to protect your money, your family, and your business. No jargon, just neighborly advice you can trust. Follow now and join us for episode one.