AI deepfake scams now nearly impossible to detect, experts warn

Artificial intelligence-generated deepfake videos have become so sophisticated that they’re nearly impossible to distinguish from real footage, creating new opportunities for scammers to impersonate trusted individuals. Cybersecurity experts are now warning consumers about this emerging threat and providing guidance on how to identify and avoid these AI-powered deception tactics.

What you should know: Scammers are leveraging advanced AI technology to create convincing video impersonations of people victims know personally.

• These deepfake videos are being used in sophisticated fraud schemes that exploit trust relationships.
• The technology has advanced to the point where detection requires specific knowledge and techniques.
• Cybersecurity professionals are developing new strategies to help consumers protect themselves.

Why this matters: The rise of AI-powered impersonation scams represents a significant escalation in fraud tactics, moving beyond traditional voice calls and emails to highly convincing video content.

• Traditional scam detection methods may be insufficient against these new AI-generated deceptions.
• The psychological impact of seeing a “trusted” person in video format can make victims more susceptible to fraud.
• This technology gap between scammer capabilities and public awareness creates a dangerous vulnerability.

Expert guidance: Jon Clay from Trend Micro, a cybersecurity software company, is providing specialized advice on identifying these new AI scams.

• Clay’s expertise focuses on helping consumers recognize the telltale signs of deepfake technology.
• The guidance includes practical steps people can take to verify the authenticity of suspicious video communications.
• This represents part of the cybersecurity industry’s response to emerging AI-powered threats.

The bigger picture: This development highlights the double-edged nature of AI advancement, where the same technology driving innovation is also enabling more sophisticated criminal activities.