AI Video Call Fraudsters Exposed Stay Alert, Your Safety At Risk

Published by
Revathy Anil

You are absolutely right; the advancement of AI technology, particularly in the realm of deep fakes, can indeed lead to an era of increased abuse and scams. It’s important to be vigilant and take appropriate measures to protect ourselves from potential fraud. Here are some additional tips on how to identify and protect yourself from fake video calls:

  1. Be cautious with unexpected requests: If a friend or relative suddenly asks for money or personal information during a video call, especially if it seems out of character or unusual, it’s crucial to take a step back and verify the request through other means.
  2. Pay attention to behavior and language: If the person in the video call is behaving strangely, using unfamiliar language, or doesn’t know certain personal details about you or your friend, it might be a red flag.
  3. Look for discrepancies: Pay close attention to details in the video call, such as facial expressions not matching the tone of the conversation or lip-syncing that seems off. Deep fakes may not perfectly mimic natural human behavior.
  4. Verify the identity: Before sending any money or sensitive information, always contact the person through other communication channels that you know to be authentic. Use their verified phone number or reach out to them through a trusted social media account.
  5. Avoid sharing personal information: Refrain from giving out personal or financial details during a video call unless you are absolutely sure of the other person’s identity.
  6. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Many messaging apps and platforms offer 2FA as an added layer of security. Enable it to prevent unauthorized access to your accounts.
  7. Stay updated on security features: Familiarize yourself with the security features of the apps you use, such as watermarking or encryption, to identify legitimate calls and messages.
  8. Report suspicious activity: If you encounter a fake video call or suspect that you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it to the platform’s support team and consider reporting it to relevant law enforcement or cyber helpline as mentioned earlier.
  9. Educate yourself and others: Raise awareness about deep fakes and potential scams among your friends and family. The more informed people are, the less likely they are to fall victim to these tricks.

Remember, scammers and fraudsters rely on deception and urgency to trick their victims. Take your time, verify identities, and never rush into financial transactions without proper confirmation. Being cautious and alert can help protect you from falling prey to these malicious activities.