Detect AI Deepfakes: Fake Voices, Videos & Images

What can be faked today

AI-powered programs can mimic voices, swap faces in videos, and create hyper‑real photos. Scammers often only need a short voice clip or a public video. As the fakes get better, it’s safer to rely on solid rules rather than on spotting visual or audio cues.

Scam #1: The emergency call in a familiar voice

A phone rings and the other end sounds just like your child, grandchild, or partner: an accident, an arrest, urgent money needed. A second voice—often claiming to be police, a lawyer or a hospital—steps in.

• Hang up and call the person back using the number you’ve saved.
• Agree on a **code word** within your family that never appears online. If someone in distress can’t say it, they shouldn’t get the money.
• Police, courts and hospitals never ask for money over the phone, nor do they send couriers to collect cash or jewellery.

Scam #2: The boss on a video call

In business, those who approve payments are the prime targets. A supposed senior executive contacts you via video or voice message, demanding a quick, confidential transfer.

• Urgency plus secrecy is a red flag.
• Confirm any unusual payment through a second, known channel—e.g., a return call to the internal number.
• Reputable companies have a firm policy for this. Ask if yours does.

Scam #3: Celebrities “promising” money

Social‑media ads showcase well‑known TV or business figures touting a “safe” investment or miracle cure. The videos and articles are fabricated.

• Public figures never endorse financial products in such ads. Huge, instant, guaranteed returns don’t exist.
• Never provide phone numbers, IDs or payment details on those sites; “consultants” will later ask for more money.
• Verify links first with our link‑check tool.

Scam #4: Fake photos and profiles

Invented profile pictures make fake accounts look credible—on dating sites or bogus business pages. Fake photos are also used to embarrass or extort people.

• Someone who refuses to show themselves on video but suddenly talks about money is suspicious.
• If you’re extorted with fake images, don’t pay. Secure evidence, notify the platform, and file a police report.

How to spot fakes

These clues help, but are no guarantee:

• A voice that never breathes, odd emphasis, answers that don’t quite fit the question.
• In a video: unnatural blinking, blurred edges around hair, glasses or lips that don’t sync with the audio.
• Ask a question only the real person could answer—or in a video, ask them to move a hand in front of the camera.

Make it harder for fraudsters

• Share voice messages and videos of you and your family only with people you know. Set your social‑network profiles to “private.”
• Talk to parents and grandparents about these scams—they’re often prime targets.
• Protect your accounts with two‑factor authentication so no one can send messages in your name.

If it already happened

• If you’ve wired money, call your bank immediately; the transfer may still be stoppable.
• Preserve call logs, messages and receipts, then report to the police. Our first‑aid page walks you through each step.

And the VPN?

A VPN encrypts your connection and shields your data on public Wi‑Fi. It won’t stop a fake voice on the phone—but a return call, a code word and a moment of doubt can.