Artificial intelligence has made creating realistic fake audio and video easier than ever — and criminals are taking advantage. According to the FBI, more than 4.2 million fraud reports have been filed since 2020, leading to over $50 billion in losses. A growing portion of that comes from deepfake scams.
In response, the American Bankers Association (ABA) Foundation and the FBI have released a new infographic that breaks down how these scams work and what consumers can do to protect themselves. The campaign aims to help people identify warning signs and stop fraud before money or sensitive information is lost.
What Are Deepfake Scams?
Deepfake scams use AI-generated images, video, or audio to impersonate trusted people. Criminals may pretend to be a family member in distress, a government official, a bank representative, or even a celebrity. The goal is often the same: create urgency, spark fear, and trick victims into sending money or revealing private information.
Unlike traditional scams, deepfakes can sound and look real. That’s why spotting subtle signs is so important.
Warning Signs of Deepfake Media
The ABA and FBI infographic highlights several red flags to watch for:
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Blurry or distorted facial features
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Unnatural blinking or stiff facial movements
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Audio that doesn’t match video
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Flat, robotic, or strange voice tones
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Odd lighting or mismatched shadows
If something feels “off” in a video call, voicemail, or message, trust your instincts and verify before responding.
Practical Ways to Protect Yourself
The infographic also provides actionable steps anyone can use right away:
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Pause before reacting. Scammers rely on panic. Slow down and think before responding.
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Verify identities. Use a trusted phone number, reverse search tool, or direct contact method — never just the one provided in the message.
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Use codewords. Set up family or business codewords that only real contacts would know.
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Limit your digital footprint. The less personal data criminals can find, the harder it is for them to fake your likeness.
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Report scams. If you suspect a deepfake scam, report it to the FBI at IC3.gov, your bank, and local law enforcement.
Why This Matters
Scams are evolving quickly, and deepfakes are only becoming more convincing. Public awareness is the first line of defense. By learning the signs and sharing resources like the ABA and FBI infographic, consumers can stay one step ahead of fraudsters.
You can view the full infographic here.
