Common deepfake scams — and how to spot them

A scammer clones a loved one's voice from a few seconds of social media video, then calls crying: an accident, an arrest, a ransom. They need money now — by gift card, wire or crypto.

What to do: Hang up and call the person back on a number you already have. Agree on a family code word ahead of time.

An AI-made picture of an explosion, arrest or disaster spreads within minutes, sometimes moving stock prices or stirring anger before newsrooms can confirm.

What to do: Reverse-image search it, wait for two reputable outlets, and check it here before you share.

An employee joins a video call with what looks like the CFO and colleagues — all deepfakes — and is told to wire company money for a confidential deal.

What to do: Verify any payment request through a separate, known channel. Two-person approval stops most of these.

A famous face or politician appears to promote a crypto platform, miracle cure or "government payout." The video is synthetic; the link steals money or data.

What to do: Check the person's verified accounts. Never pay or log in from an ad link.

Flawless photos of someone who doesn't exist build a relationship over weeks, ending in a request for money for travel, medical bills or an "investment."

What to do: Check their photos here and with a reverse-image search. Never send money to someone you haven't met.

AI removes the typos that once gave phishing away. Messages now sound polished and personal, pretending to be your bank, school or employer.

What to do: Don't click. Go to the site yourself or call the organization using a number from their official website.