Key takeaways
- Scammers can clone a voice or fake a video using short samples found online.
- Verify urgent money requests through a second, known channel before acting.
- Agree a family or team code word and limit what you post publicly.
The Short Answer
Deepfakes are fake audio, images or videos made with AI to look and sound like a real person. Fraudsters use them in phone calls and video calls to pretend to be a relative, a boss or a bank officer and to rush you into sending money or sharing codes. The technology is improving, so you cannot always tell by eye or ear. The defence is a simple habit: pause, then verify through a trusted channel.
Common Scam Patterns
- Family emergency: a voice that sounds like your child or sibling asks for urgent money.
- Boss request: a fake manager asks finance staff to pay an invoice quickly.
- Fake celebrity or investor: a video promotes a get-rich scheme. See how to spot investment scams.
- Bank or support call: a caller asks for OTPs or card details.
Warning Signs
- Strong pressure to act now and keep it secret.
- Requests for gift cards, crypto or transfers to a new account.
- A voice or face that is slightly unnatural, with odd pauses, flat emotion or mismatched lip movement.
- Calls from an unknown number claiming to be someone you know.
Your Verification Routine
- Hang up and call the person back on the number you already have.
- Ask a question only the real person would know, or use a family or team code word.
- For business payments, require a second approval and confirm bank detail changes by phone using a known number.
- Never share OTPs, PINs or recovery codes with anyone.
Reduce What Scammers Can Copy
- Limit public videos and voice notes, and keep social accounts private where possible.
- Use strong, unique passwords and 2FA, as in our password guide.
- Teach older relatives about these scams.
- Protect your SIM and accounts using our phishing and SIM swap guide, and review cybersecurity basics for small businesses.
If You Are Targeted
Stop all contact, do not send money, and tell your bank immediately if you already paid. Report the scam to your bank, your mobile network and the relevant authorities, and warn the person being impersonated.
Action Checklist
- Agree a family or team code word
- Call back on a known number before sending money
- Never share OTPs or PINs
- Require two approvals for business payments
- Tighten social media privacy
- Report scams quickly to your bank
This guide is general information to help you plan. It is not legal, financial or professional advice. Prices, rules and features change, so confirm current details with the provider, authority or a qualified professional before you act.
