As artificial intelligence tools evolve, scammers are trading phishing emails for deepfake videos—convincing fakes that can talk, blink, and even hold meetings. One staggering example: a finance worker at a multinational firm was tricked into transferring $25 million after a video call with what appeared to be the company’s CEO. The catch? It wasn’t the CEO at all—it was a synthetic copy generated using AI.
These kinds of scams are becoming more common as AI-generated video and voice tools become publicly accessible. Unlike obvious email scams full of typos and strange links, deepfake video scams play on visual trust. They replicate facial features, voice tone, and expressions with eerie accuracy. But there are tells: unnatural blinking, lips out of sync with speech, or a voice that lacks natural inflection.
Experts recommend a healthy dose of skepticism—especially when money or sensitive information is involved. Always verify requests, even if they appear to come from someone you know. A second phone call or direct message can prevent a costly mistake. As these scams grow more sophisticated, our best defense is still simple: pause and double-check.
While the tech behind these scams is impressive, it’s also a reminder that critical thinking is more important than ever. If something feels off—even during a video call—trust your instincts. The face may look familiar, but the intent behind it might not be.
Source: Times
