How can I verify if a video call from a family member is a deepfake?

✓ Accepted answer

You can verify a video call by using a pre-agreed secret code word and immediately ending the call to contact the person through a separate, previously known method.

AI-powered scams now cost American seniors hundreds of millions of dollars annually, with criminals using short audio clips to clone voices and generate photorealistic faces in real-time video calls. To protect yourself, follow these practical steps:

• Agree on a code word: Choose a unique, random phrase or memory that only your immediate family knows. If the caller cannot provide it, hang up immediately.
• Use a separate verification channel: Never trust the incoming call. End the video session and call the person back on a number you have saved in your phone, or use a different messaging app they usually use.
• Check for visual glitches: Look for unnatural jaw movements, inconsistent lighting, or blurred backgrounds. Deepfake video often fails to sync lip movements perfectly with speech.
• Be wary of urgency: Scammers create pressure by claiming emergencies, such as arrest or accident. Slow down and refuse any requests for immediate financial transfer.
• Report suspicious activity: If you suspect a deepfake, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center or the UK Action Fraud service to help stop further victims.

Staying informed and maintaining open communication with your family about these new threats is the most effective defense against emotional manipulation and financial loss.

admin · 2026-10-17 03:50:38