Don't Get Duped by Deepfakes: How AI is Supercharging Scams (And How You Can Fight Back)

Don’t Get Duped by Deepfakes: How AI is Supercharging Scams (And How You Can Fight Back)

You know we’re living in strange times when you can’t even trust your own grandma’s voice on the phone. Welcome to the era of deepfake scams, where advanced artificial intelligence (AI) is making it easier for scammers to blur the line between real and fake—and harder for us to tell the difference. AI tools can now mimic voices and faces with frightening accuracy, turning what once seemed like sci-fi fantasy into a daily threat. The scary part? These tools are becoming more accessible, meaning almost anyone with an internet connection can get in on the scam game.

If it feels like trust is in short supply these days, you’re not wrong. We’re in a full-blown “Trust Recession,” and it’s not just because people are fibbing about their weekend plans. Scammers are stepping over the line big time, using technology to violate trust and exploit unsuspecting people in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. But don’t worry—we’ve got your back with a guide that’s as easy to understand as your favorite meme.

What Are Deepfake Scams, Anyway?

Deepfake scams involve AI-generated audio and video designed to fool you. Here’s the deal:

Voice Cloning: Scammers can now clone voices with freakish accuracy. Imagine getting a call from your “kid” saying they’re in trouble and need money ASAP. Spoiler alert: It’s not them. It’s a scammer who used a few seconds of audio from social media to mimic their voice. How It Works: Voice cloning technology uses AI models trained on audio samples. The more audio data scammers can gather—whether from a YouTube video, podcast, or social media post—the better the clone. These models break down speech patterns, tone, and inflection, then reproduce them to create a near-perfect imitation. Even with just a short clip, AI can generate enough data to create a convincing fake voice that sounds eerily authentic. How They Get the Voice: Scammers don’t need to bug your phone to get your voice. Many people unknowingly provide plenty of material just by sharing content online. Public videos, voicemail recordings, and even casual voice messages on social media can be harvested and fed into AI systems. Got a TikTok account or YouTube channel? Congratulations—you’ve just handed potential scammers all the raw material they need.
Fake Videos: Ever seen those weird celebrity endorsement videos that don’t quite seem right? That’s AI-generated magic (or dark wizardry, depending on how you look at it). Scammers create deepfake videos featuring familiar faces to push shady products or phony charities. How It Works: Deepfake videos are created using AI algorithms known as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). These networks pit two AI models against each other—one generates fake images, while the other tries to detect them. Over time, the generator gets so good that even trained eyes can struggle to spot the fakes. Scammers then overlay cloned audio onto the manipulated video, making it look like a real person is speaking. This combination of fake visuals and audio is what makes deepfakes so convincing. How They Get the Footage: Just like with voice cloning, scammers harvest video content from public sources. Social media platforms are a goldmine for this, where millions of people upload personal videos every day. Even if your account is private, scammers can sometimes gain access through mutual connections or by hacking accounts.

How Scammers Are Crossing the Line to Make a Quick Buck

Let’s be real—we’ve always had scams, from snake oil salesmen to email princes promising millions. But with AI, scammers are going pro. They’re using technology in ways that violate trust on a massive scale, targeting your emotions and exploiting your instincts.

Common Tactics:

The “Emergency Call” Scam: “Hi Mom, it’s me. I’m in jail and need bail money.” Yeah, except it’s not your kid—just a scammer with a voice clone. Why It Works: These scams prey on fear and urgency. When you hear what sounds like a loved one in distress, your instinct is to help immediately—often without questioning the situation. Scammers count on this knee-jerk reaction to trick you into sending money.
The “Celebrity Pitch” Scam: Suddenly, Gordon Ramsay is hawking cheap cookware or Taylor Swift is promoting miracle supplements. Newsflash: They’re not. These are deepfakes designed to lure you into buying worthless junk. Why It Works: People tend to trust familiar faces, especially celebrities they admire. Scammers exploit this trust by creating fake endorsements that seem legitimate. Combined with slick editing and cloned voices, these scams can fool even the most cautious consumers.

How to Outsmart the Scammers

We get it—with scams getting more sophisticated, it’s easy to feel paranoid. But don’t let the scammers win. Here are some practical tips to help you stay one step ahead:

Be Skeptical, Stay Sharp: If someone calls or texts you asking for money or personal information, hit pause. Verify their identity through another method—preferably one that doesn’t involve the suspicious call or text. Even if the voice sounds familiar, a quick double-check can save you from falling victim.
Don’t Click That Link: If you get an unsolicited message with a link claiming to show a video of your favorite celeb or a loved one in distress, resist the urge. Scammers love baiting people with fake links that lead to phishing sites or malware downloads.
Know the Signs: Deepfake videos often have weird glitches. Maybe the mouth movements are slightly off, or the voice sounds robotic. Trust your gut—if something feels off, it probably is. You might notice subtle inconsistencies, like lighting that doesn’t match or awkward facial expressions.
Report It: If you come across a scam call, text, or video, don’t just shake your head and move on. Report it to the FCC or FTC. The more reports they get, the better they can fight these scams. Plus, sharing your experience can help others avoid the same trap.

News– In a significant move to combat the rise of AI-driven scams, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has unanimously adopted a Declaratory Ruling that classifies calls made with AI-generated voices as “artificial” under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).

This ruling, effective immediately, makes the use of voice cloning technology in unsolicited robocalls illegal, providing State Attorneys General with enhanced tools to pursue perpetrators of these deceptive practices.

Key Highlights of the FCC’s Ruling:

AI-Generated Voices Classified as Artificial: The FCC now explicitly recognizes AI-generated voices in robocalls as “artificial” under the TCPA, subjecting them to the same restrictions as other artificial or prerecorded voice messages.
Empowering State Enforcement: By broadening the definition, State Attorneys General can now directly target the use of AI in robocalls, rather than solely focusing on the fraudulent outcomes of such calls.
Addressing the Surge in AI-Driven Scams: The FCC acknowledges the increasing misuse of AI to mimic voices of family members, celebrities, and political figures, leading to scams and misinformation. This ruling aims to curb such deceptive practices.
Ongoing Efforts and Inquiries: In November 2023, the FCC initiated a Notice of Inquiry to explore the role of AI in illegal robocalls and potential oversight measures. The Commission is also investigating how AI can be leveraged positively to detect and prevent such calls before they reach consumers.

Implications for Consumers:

This decisive action by the FCC enhances protections against the evolving landscape of AI-driven scams.

Consumers are advised to remain vigilant, as scammers may still attempt to use advanced technologies to deceive.

It’s crucial to verify the identity of callers, especially when unexpected requests for personal information or financial assistance are made.

By staying informed and cautious, individuals can better safeguard themselves against these sophisticated threats.

For more detailed information, you can access the full FCC announcement here: ROBO CALLING ILLEGAL

Stay alert and protect yourself from the evolving tactics of scammers exploiting AI technology.

Fighting Back in the Trust Recession

We might be in a Trust Recession, but that doesn’t mean we have to accept it. Scammers may be getting craftier, but with a little knowledge and a lot of skepticism, we can protect ourselves and our wallets.

Think of it this way: just like you wouldn’t trust a stranger offering free candy from a van, don’t trust random calls or messages—even if they sound familiar. Stay sharp, stay skeptical, and keep your hard-earned cash out of the hands of scammers.

Remember, when in doubt, check it out. And hey, if you catch a scammer red-handed, feel free to channel your inner Gordon Ramsay and give them a verbal roasting—just don’t click on any links they send!

Stay safe, stay savvy, and let’s put an end to this Trust Recession one deepfake at a time.