How to Detect DeepFake AI Videos and Avoid Online Scams

With more deepfakes surfacing across the entire Internet, this once novel meme/clip about a celebrity has since branched out into voice fraud, fake news, and even deep fake scams, among other malicious forms of trickery and deceptive visual content. For that very reason, it is now crucial that people become familiar with how to identify a deep fake video as a core digital security skill.

What Is a Deepfake Video?

A deepfake video is a fake video that can replicate any person. It does this by using AI to perfectly recreate the face, voice, facial gestures, and movements of an individual. This can give the impression that a person stated or did something when in reality they have not.

An example is when a fake celebrity is telling you to try out a new investment app, or there is a fake video of someone you recognize pleading for you to send them some money. At first, these videos appear convincing. However, if examined with a fine eye, minor inaccuracies in the video will be apparent, revealing the authenticity and fraudulent nature of the videos. 

How to Detect Deepfake Videos: Quick Checklist

Spotting a deepfake video: A very obvious sign is just to look closely at the face, the voice, and the background of the video. Is the person’s mouth moving at the same time they are talking? Look at eyes, blink, face shape, texture of skin, etc.

A too-smooth face, slightly unreal lighting, or a robot-like voice can also suggest the video is fake, as well as video that inspires fear or urgency that encourages an immediate reaction.

Common Signs of AI-Generated Fake Videos

Detecting a deepfake is not necessarily a complex task when you know what you are looking for. Look for blurry boundaries on the faces, shadows that have inconsistent lighting with the shadows, and, again, peculiar eye and hand movements. It’s also possible that the face might move, but the head or neck does not.

Also, check the background. If there are odd bends, shaking, or deformations, the video may be fake. AI detection is not always flawless, but these anomalies can help you to not fall for fake content on the internet.

Deepfake Voice Scams: How to Identify Fake AI Calls

Deepfake scams are not limited to videos only. Scammers can also use AI to copy someone’s voice. You might even get a call where it appears to be your friend, your boss, or family asking you to urgently lend some money.

In case somebody asks for money, OTP, bank details, or personal details, then the person has to stop first. Call that person again on their real number. A real person will not force you to act in panic.

Deepfake Scams on Social Media

Deepfake AI videos get widely shared over WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Mostly scammers create fake celebrity videos to endorse trading applications, health products, or quick money schemes.

If you believe a viral video, always verify it against the source first. Search for the same video online. If only random pages are sharing it, be careful.

Simple Tools and Methods for Deepfake Detection

There’s no need to be a tech whiz, either. Use reverse image search, consult reliable news organizations, go to official social media accounts, and look for fact-check articles.

If you have the possibility, you can even put the video on pause and analyze frame by frame the face, the eyes, the mouth, and the background. Simple checking can save you from a big scam.

What to Do If You See a Suspicious Deepfake Video

Do not share the video quickly. Report it on the platform. If they are using it as part of some fraud, give your family or friends a call.

Most crucially, don’t send money, OTPs, passwords, or personal information over video and voice calls alone.

Final Thoughts

Deepfake detection is not only for technology-savvy users anymore. It affects every internet user. In order to decide to trust, share, or do something based on a video, think twice and check it.