Digital Deception: How to Protect Yourself from Deepfake Scams

Technology is evolving quickly, and so are cybercriminals’ tactics. Artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfakes make it easier for scammers to create believable deceptions. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, take time to learn what deepfakes are, how scammers use them, and how to spot them to protect yourself and your assets.

What are ‘Deepfakes’?

According to the Department of Homeland Security, deepfakes are “synthetic media that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to create realistic but fake videos, pictures, audio, and text of events that never happened.”

How are Deepfakes being used in scams?

Deepfakes are used to impersonate trusted people or organizations to manipulate others, and they are becoming more popular in scams because audio and visuals can increase trust. For example, imagine receiving a phone call from a so-called distressed family member saying they’re in trouble and need money immediately; more than likely, it is not real. Scammers create deepfakes like this by finding short clips of that relative’s voice on social media and using AI to create a clip that seems real and familiar.

Watch for and listen to the red flags:

• Unnatural facial expressions or eye behavior – deepfakes often struggle to replicate natural human micro-expressions, including the subtle crinkling around the eyes when smiling, as well as realistic eye movement and blinking. Watch for stiff, inconsistent, or out-of-sync facial and eye actions.
• Inconsistent lighting and shadows – look for lighting that does not match the person or scene.
• Lip-syncing issues – watch for lip movements that do not match the audio.
• Missing or inconsistent features – look for missing birthmarks, scars, or makeup that looks off.
• Audio irregularities – look for robotic sounds or uneven pronunciation of words.
• Sense of urgency – situations that give you a deadline or want you to hurry to complete something are usually red flags.

How to Protect Yourself

As technology becomes more convincing, remember to think before you act and check whether anything seems suspicious. Here are a few tips to help protect yourself:

• If something feels off, stop contact and reach out to the person directly through a trusted method.
• Think before you share. Never provide personal information such as passwords, account details, or verification codes.
• Be mindful of what you post online; sharing too much information can give scammers clues about you.
• Trust your gut and look closely for warning signs before acting.

If you think a deepfake scam has targeted you, don’t wait to act. If you’ve shared information, sent money, or noticed suspicious activity on your account, contact your bank as soon as possible. The Drake Bank team is here to help you understand your options and take the next steps to protect your accounts.