This article includes tips, suggestions, and general information. We recommend that you always do your own research and consider getting independent tax, financial, and legal advice before making any important decision.
Staying safe online means understanding the new tools scammers are using. One such tool is deepfake fraud, a sophisticated tactic where scammers use artificial intelligence (AI) to create convincing but entirely fake videos and audio of real people.
This technology has made it easier than ever for fraudsters to create deceptive content, from fake celebrity endorsements to personal impersonations. Fortunately, a little knowledge can be an effective tool for your defense. This guide is here to empower you, providing the insights you need to identify deepfake scams, spot the red flags, and protect your finances with confidence.
Put simply, deepfake fraud is the malicious use of AI-generated media to mislead people. The term "deepfake" refers to a video, image, or voice recording that has been synthetically manipulated to convincingly replace one person's likeness with another's.
At a basic level, the technology works by feeding a computer an enormous amount of data, such as pictures and videos of a public figure, and training it to mimic that person's appearance and voice. The result can be a video that appears completely real.
It's important to know that deepfakes aren't limited to videos. Highly realistic AI voice cloning scams and AI-generated images are a growing part of the problem. As the tools to create this content have become more widespread in 2026, this issue has evolved into a significant threat to everyday consumers.
Fraudulent investment schemes are any form of scam that promises impressive financial returns to trick people into parting with their money. Classic examples include Ponzi schemes, fake cryptocurrency platforms offering unbelievable gains, and "pump-and-dump" scams.
These schemes are a major category of financial crime, sitting alongside other common threats like identity theft and imposter scams. Understanding the key differences between various types of financial crime is important. Read our article exploring fraud vs. scams for a helpful breakdown.
The link between deepfakes and investment scams can be powerful. For example, a fraudster can create a deepfake video of a respected business leader appearing to announce a "once-in-a-lifetime" investment opportunity, giving credibility to what is actually a scam.
To stay safe, it helps to recognize the common forms that deepfake scams take. Take a look at a few common examples below.
Your ability to spot a deepfake is an effective tool for avoiding scams and fraud. Even with advanced AI, there are often subtle flaws that give away a fake. Here’s how to identify deepfake videos by looking out for visual and behavioral clues:
Fraudsters often prefer to use short, low-resolution clips because the poor quality makes it more difficult for you to notice these AI imperfections. Keeping an eye out for this is a key tactic when learning how to spot AI generated video.
AI-generated images have their own set of giveaways. If you're looking at a profile picture or image that feels off, perform your own AI generated image detection by checking for these signs:
You can use free tools like Google Reverse Image Search to upload the image and see if it has been used elsewhere. However, it is good practice to avoid making a financial decision based on a picture alone. If someone you met online sends a picture, it's not necessarily proof of their identity.
Vigilance and smart digital habits are the cornerstones of online fraud protection. Here are several practical ways you can safeguard yourself:
If you think you've encountered deepfake fraud, acting quickly can make a significant difference. Here are a few steps you can take:
Reporting these scams is an incredibly helpful step for the entire community, providing authorities with the information they need to prevent future crime.