How to Spot Deepfakes and Protect Yourself from Scams

Deepfake technology has become more accessible and easier to use, meaning that creating fake videos, photos, and audio clips is now something almost anyone can do. These fakes can appear very real, making it difficult to tell what is true and what is fake. For older adults, who may not be as familiar with this technology, it is especially important to stay vigilant. This article aims to explain how to recognize deepfakes in simple terms and provide tips on how to stay safe.

What is a Deepfake?

A deepfake is a type of media—like a video, photo, or audio—that has been altered or created to look like something or someone else. For example, a deepfake video might show someone saying or doing things they never actually did. These videos and images use special software to mimic a person’s face, voice, or actions. While deepfakes can be fun to watch or listen to, they can also be used to trick people and cause harm.

How to Spot a Deepfake Video

• Look for Unnatural Movements

In deepfake videos, the person’s face might move in a strange way. For example, their blinking might look too fast or out of sync. The way their mouth moves may not match the words they are saying. These signs are often easy to spot once you know what to look for.

• Check the Reflections in Their Eyes

 If you look closely at a person’s eyes or glasses in a video, you might see that the reflections do not match the background. This can be a sign that the video has been altered. In real videos, reflections usually line up with what’s around the person, but deepfakes can cause these to look odd.

• Out-of-Sync Mouth and Voice

In deepfake videos, the person’s mouth may not line up properly with the audio. Their lips might move too slowly, too quickly, or they may not move at all while speaking. If the audio doesn’t match the movement of the lips, the video could be fake.

• Look for Blurry or Distorted Faces

 Sometimes, the face in a deepfake video can look blurry or strangely shaped. The chin or mouth area may look out of focus, and the rest of the face might appear unusually smooth or perfect. Real faces don’t always look so flawless.

• Strange Changes in the Video

 In some deepfake videos, you might notice strange changes in the clip. For example, a person’s clothing might change color from one scene to the next, or objects in the background could shift around in an unrealistic way. These changes are signs of manipulation.

How to Spot a Deepfake Photo

• Too Perfect or Shiny

Deepfake photos often look too perfect, with smooth skin or bright lighting that doesn’t seem natural. Real photos tend to have small imperfections, like wrinkles or shadows that make the image look more real. If the photo seems too “glossy” or flawless, it could be a fake.

• Odd or Extra Body Parts

One way to tell if a photo is a deepfake is to look for body parts that don’t look right. For example, you might notice extra fingers, a misshapen head, or strange limbs. Sometimes, deepfake software has trouble getting the details just right, so things like this can slip through.

• Distorted Text or Numbers

 If a deepfake photo includes text, like a sign or a label, check to see if the words are clear. Deepfake software sometimes distorts text or makes it hard to read. If the text looks blurry or jumbled, the photo might not be real.

• Mismatched Skin Tone

In deepfake photos, the person’s face may have a different skin tone from their body. This happens because the software can’t always match the skin color of the face to the rest of the body. If you notice this, it’s a good sign that the photo has been altered.

How to Spot Deepfake Audio

• Flat or Robotic Voice

 Deepfake audio often sounds flat or robotic. Real people’s voices change in tone as they speak, with ups and downs depending on the words they use. If the voice sounds too perfect or lacks these natural changes, it could be fake.

• No Background Noise

Real audio often has background noise, like rustling, breathing, or other sounds you don’t pay much attention to. Deepfake audio can sound too clean, with no background noise or awkward-sounding noise. If the audio feels unnatural or overly perfect, it may be a deepfake.

Simple Ways to Defend Against Deepfake Scams

Now that you know how to spot deepfakes, let’s talk about how you can protect yourself from scams that use them.

• Limit What You Share Online

Scammers can use personal information to create deepfakes. Avoid sharing too much information about yourself online, especially on social media. The less information they have, the less they can use against you.

• Be Careful with Unsolicited Calls

If someone calls you out of the blue, especially if they ask for money or sensitive information, be cautious. Scammers can use deepfake technology to impersonate people you know. If the call seems suspicious, hang up and call the person directly using a trusted number.

• Verify Videos and Photos

 If you see a surprising video or photo online, don’t immediately believe it. Check the source to make sure it’s real. You can look for news reports or fact-checking websites like FactCheck.org to verify whether the content is genuine.

• Think Before You Act

 If something online makes you feel a strong emotion like anger, fear, or excitement, take a moment to pause and think. Deepfakes often try to trick you into reacting emotionally. If something feels off, it probably is. Take your time and verify before you respond or share it.

• Use Tools to Detect Deepfakes

There are tools that can help you spot deepfakes. For example, the Trend Micro Check app helps you determine if a video, photo, or audio is real or fake. These tools can give you more confidence when browsing the internet.

What to Do if You’ve Been Targeted by a Deepfake Scam

If you think you’ve fallen for a deepfake scam, take action right away:

• Protect Your Financial Information

 If you’ve shared personal information, such as bank account details or credit card numbers, contact your bank and credit card company immediately. Change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication on your accounts.

• Report the Scam

You should report the scam to authorities. You can contact law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or your local consumer protection office. They can help you take the right steps to protect yourself.

• Warn Others

Talk to your friends and family about deepfake scams. Encourage them to be cautious, especially older adults who might not be as familiar with this technology. The more people know, the less likely they are to fall for a scam.

By understanding how deepfakes work and knowing the signs to look out for, you can protect yourself and stay safe online. Stay aware, and don’t let scammers trick you!