Imagine someone takes a video of you and changes it so that it looks like you’re saying something you never said. The voice sounds like yours. The face is yours. But the message? Completely fake.
This is called a Deepfake—and it’s becoming more common every day.
🤖 What is a Deepfake?
Deepfakes are images, videos, or audio created using artificial intelligence to make people believe something that isn’t real.
They can be used for fun (think: silly voice swaps or filters) or even science—but when used maliciously, deepfakes can impersonate celebrities, politicians, or even you, with dangerous consequences.
🎥 Real Example:
Criminals have repeatedly used deepfake videos of Elon Musk to promote fake cryptocurrency giveaways—costing unsuspecting victims millions of dollars.
🧠 How Cybercriminals Use Deepfakes
1. 🆘 Fake Emergency Calls
Example: A video call shows “your grandson” claiming he’s in jail abroad and needs bail money.
Why it works: The video looks so real, it’s hard to doubt.
2. 🏦 Impersonating Authorities
Example: A “bank manager” on video asks you to transfer funds to a “secure account.”
Red Flag: Real banks never ask for money via video calls or unexpected messages.
3. 🧪 Spreading False Information
Example: In 2024, scammers used deepfake videos of medical experts to promote fake diabetes supplements.
🔍 How to Spot a Deepfake
Be on the lookout for:
- 👀 Unnatural Eye Movements – Blinking too much or not at all?
- 🎙️ Robotic or Mismatched Voice – Does the voice lag behind lip movement?
- ✨ Glowing Edges – A weird halo around the head or neck?
- 😐 Stiff Expressions – Real smiles reach the eyes. Deepfakes often don’t.
- 💯 Too Perfect – Real videos have flaws. A deepfake might look airbrushed.
- ⚠️ Urgent Threats – “Send money now or I’ll be arrested!” is a classic scam line.
- 🇨🇦 Unusual Context – Would the Canadian Prime Minister really be selling crypto?
- 🖐 Strange Body Features – Check for mismatched fingers, odd eyes, or other distortions.
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself
✅ 1. Create a Family Code Word
Agree on a secret word (like “cornbread”) with loved ones to confirm emergencies.
📞 2. Verify Through Trusted Channels
If “Grandson Tim” sends a strange video:
- Hang up.
- Call him directly using a known number.
🔒 3. Limit Social Media Sharing
Avoid posting family videos publicly—scammers use these to create deepfakes.
🏦 4. Use Official Contacts
Never trust unexpected video requests for money. Contact your bank using the number on your statement.
🚨 5. Report It
If you suspect a scam:
📞 1-888-495-8501
🌐 antifraudcentre.ca
💡 Final Thought
If something feels “phishy”, trust your instincts. Pause. Verify.
And please—share this post with your friends and family. Awareness is one of our best tools against online deception.
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