How to detect fake video call scams based on artificial intelligence technology

The rapid development of AI technology, especially Generative AI, is changing the world in ways we have never imagined. Besides bringing many new opportunities, this technology also has many potential risks.

More worryingly, generative AI is being used by cybercriminals for nefarious purposes. Scammers and fake news creators have been quick to seize the opportunity, using AI to create incredibly realistic deepfakes that can easily impersonate anyone, from family and friends to celebrities. Although AI video generation technology is not yet perfect, it is sophisticated enough to fool even the most discerning people.

What is Deepfake?

Deepfakes are the result of remarkable advances in AI, particularly in machine learning and image processing. Using complex algorithms, deepfakes can create fake content that is difficult to distinguish from reality.

The ability to realistically mimic a person’s voice, gestures, and expressions makes deepfakes incredibly powerful. However, this ability also poses many risks. Fraudsters can use deepfakes to create fake evidence, spread fake news, or commit financial fraud.

What is the scammer's goal?

The goals of deepfake scammers are incredibly diverse and can have serious consequences. At a basic level, they can target your personal information to carry out fraudulent activities such as identity theft and asset misappropriation.

However, more dangerously, they can target sensitive information related to your company, such as information about customers, partners, or ongoing projects. Possessing this information can help them compete unfairly, causing financial and reputational damage to your business.

In the worst case scenario, scammers can trick you into giving up sensitive information like bank account details, social security numbers, or even passwords. They can pose as a loved one in financial trouble, a relative in need of urgent help, or even a representative of a hiring company to trick you into giving up information. With this information, they can conduct unauthorized financial transactions or cause serious financial and reputational damage.

In both cases, the key to minimizing damage is the ability to detect the scam as early as possible. Once the information has been stolen and the scammer has begun to act, it becomes much more difficult to recover.

How to detect fake video call scams using AI

While deepfake technology has advanced significantly, the deepfake products used in today’s scams still have many limitations. They often contain visual errors, lighting irregularities, shadows, or other small details that make the video or voice unnatural and easily recognizable.

Look for small details like unnatural facial expressions, inconsistent lighting and shadows, or objects in the background moving strangely. Pay particular attention to videos where the subject is moving vigorously, like standing up, sitting down, or raising their arms. Current deepfake technologies often struggle to handle these complex movements, resulting in obvious visual errors.

However, the AI ​​technology that generates deepfakes is advancing at a rapid pace. While being able to spot flaws in current deepfakes is a useful skill, we shouldn’t rely on it too much. Deepfakes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with increasingly high quality and harder to detect. Relying on current flaws to spot deepfakes could have serious consequences, especially as the technology continues to develop and improve.

Rather than focusing solely on detecting fake AI content after it has been created, we should proactively strengthen security measures. Traditional security methods such as identity authentication, data encryption, and access management are still very useful in preventing AI-related threats.

Verify caller identity

To protect yourself from deepfake scam calls, it is important to verify the identity of the caller. When receiving a call, always be cautious and double-check the caller's information, such as comparing the caller's phone number, email address, or social media account with the information you have saved. If there are any discrepancies, be cautious.

Additionally, asking questions that only you and the other person know the answer to, such as "Do you remember the last time we went out to eat together?" or "What's your home Wi-Fi password?" can also help identify scam calls.

Also, be wary of unusual requests like urgent money transfers or sharing of personal information. Always stay calm and think carefully before making any decisions.

Do not provide sensitive information

Protecting your personal information is extremely important in the digital age. Always remember that no one has the right to ask you for sensitive information such as credit card numbers, PINs, bank account passwords, social security numbers, birth dates, home addresses, etc. via phone, text message, or email. If someone contacts you and asks for this information, firmly refuse.

Don’t be fooled by attractive promises or threats. Take the initiative to call back the organization’s official phone number or email address to verify the information. If you feel anything suspicious, hang up the call or close the chat window immediately and notify a relative or the authorities.

In short, to effectively deal with scam situations, train yourself to think before you act. When you receive an unexpected request, pause and take time to analyze the situation. Don't let emotions like fear, anxiety or excitement make you lose your cool.

Also, double-check links, email addresses, and phone numbers before clicking or calling. Don't hesitate to hang up or close your browser window if you feel something isn't right.