Deepfake technology is becoming more advanced and easier to access, allowing scammers to create highly realistic videos, images, and audio clips. These can be used to impersonate trusted individuals, including family members, company leaders, or public figures. While this technology can be used for entertainment, it is increasingly being used to trick people into sending money or sharing personal information.

The Better Business Bureau® (BBB) encourages consumers to stay cautious and learn how to recognize potential deepfake scams. Here are some ways to spot a potential deepfake scam.

1. Be cautious of urgent or emotional requests.
Scammers often use deep-fake videos or voices to create a sense of panic or urgency. You might receive a message that appears to be from a loved one or boss asking for immediate help or money. Always pause and verify the request through a separate, trusted method before acting.

2. Look closely for visual and audio inconsistencies.
Deepfakes can look convincing, but small details may give them away. Watch for unnatural facial movements, odd blinking patterns, mismatched lip syncing, or voices that sound slightly off or robotic.

3. Verify the source before trusting content.
If you receive a suspicious video, call, or message, contact the person or organization directly using a known phone number or official contact method. Do not rely on the contact information provided in the suspicious message.

4. Don’t rely solely on caller ID or familiar faces.
Technology can spoof phone numbers and create realistic-looking faces or voices. Just because something looks or sounds familiar doesn’t mean it’s real. Always double-check before responding.

5. Limit what you share online.
Scammers often gather photos, videos, and voice recordings from social media to create deepfakes. Adjust your privacy settings and be mindful of what personal content you make public.

6. Stay informed about new scam tactics.
As technology evolves, so do scams. Keeping up with the latest warnings from BBB and other trusted sources can help you recognize threats more quickly and avoid becoming a victim.

Deepfake scams can be convincing, but staying alert and verifying information can make all the difference. Taking a moment to question unusual requests can help protect your identity, finances, and peace of mind.

To report or review scams, visit BBB Scam Tracker at:
https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker for more Information

To review this article and hyperlinked references in full, visit: www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/27157-bbb-tip-how-to-spot-a-deepfake-and-avoid-scams

For additional business news and guidance, visit: https://www.bbb.org