Traditionally, we rely on seeing someone in person and perhaps greeting them with a handshake to establish trust. When we cannot meet in person, we perhaps resort to sharing pictures, videos, or even video calling someone. After all, “seeing is believing.” Right?

Today, pictures and videos can be altered or edited via artificial intelligence to create what is called a “Deepfake.” This can make the person in the picture or video look and sound like someone else, even swapping faces and voices with a celebrity or someone you personally know.

This deception can even occur a live video call! There are apps that scammers use to change their voice and appearance during live video calls. They often utilize this tactic for romance scams, investment scams, employment scams, and more.

These deepfakes can be difficult—if not impossible—to detect.  
‍So how can we avoid being deceived? The best way to avoid falling victim is to consider how you connected with this person and what they are asking you to do. Was it purely online? Are they trying to get you to send them money or encouraging you to buy or send cryptocurrency? Are they asking to use your checking account because they claim to not have one? Are they asking for your personal information?

Oftentimes, scammers will spend up to a year or more developing trust before they make a major move pressuring you to divulge personal information (SSN, date of birth, online banking info, etc.) or to send them money via cryptocurrency or crypto ATMs, cash transfer apps on your phone, or even mailing cash. Before giving out information or sending money to someone online, take time to consider if this could be a scam. Always consider contacting your financial institution or local police department first before it is too late.

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