Deepfake Scams

Deepfakes, AI-generated videos and images that can convincingly portray someone saying or doing something they never did, are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making them a powerful tool for scammers. Once easily detectable, these manipulated media are now often difficult to distinguish from genuine content, unless you know what to look for.

Scammers exploit this improved realism by sending deepfake videos to potential victims, often impersonating someone the target trusts, such as a friend, family member, or even a celebrity. The goal is to establish a connection and manipulate the victim into acting without careful consideration. For example, a scammer might create a deepfake video of a well-known figure endorsing a particular investment scheme or product, hoping to lure unsuspecting individuals into parting with their money.

Once trust is established through these deceptive videos, the scammer typically makes a request, such as asking for money, personal information, or login credentials. The victim, believing they are interacting with someone they know or admire, is more likely to comply.

​How to Spot a Deepfake:

While deepfakes are becoming more realistic, there are still telltale signs to watch for:

• Unnatural Facial Movements: Pay close attention to the person's facial expressions and movements. Deepfakes can sometimes exhibit unnatural or jerky movements, especially around the eyes and mouth.
• Inconsistent Reflections: Check for inconsistencies in reflections in glasses, eyes, or other reflective surfaces. These details are often difficult for deepfake software to accurately replicate.
• Awkward Body Posture: Look for unnatural body posture or movements that don't seem quite right.
• Lip-Sync Issues: Carefully examine the synchronization between the person's mouth movements and their voice. If the audio and video don't align perfectly, it's a strong indicator of a deepfake.
• Video Quality: Deepfakes can sometimes exhibit lower video quality, appearing pixelated, blurry, or jagged, particularly around the edges of the face.

Protecting Yourself:

If you encounter a video that raises suspicion, it's best to err on the side of caution. Avoid engaging with the content or sharing any personal information. Verify the information through other trusted sources, such as contacting the person directly through a known phone number or email address.
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Video Credit: Monkeypaw Productions & Buzzfeed