THE GEN C:\> SCAN DEEPFAKE-VIDEO
Deepfake Video Call Scams
A live video chat with someone who looks like a company executive, a police officer, a celebrity, or an online friend, but the face and voice are AI-generated. The FBI warns criminals use these to "prove" they're real.
"Let's hop on a quick video call so you can see it's really me. Then I'll need you to send the payment before end of day."
Red flags
- A video call used to "prove" someone is real right before asking for money or information
- Odd details: lag, mismatched voice, strange hands, teeth, eyes, glasses, or shadows
- Pressure to act before you can check with anyone
What to do
- Hang up and contact the person or company using a number you already have.
- Never send money or sensitive info to someone you've only met online or on a call.
- Make your social media private so there's less of your face and voice to copy.
Where to report it
Got a message like this right now? Paste it into the free Scam Radar checker to see the red flags. It runs in your browser and never saves your message.
Know someone who'd fall for this?
Scammers count on people not talking about it. Send this guide to a parent, a friend, or the family group chat.
Related scams
Keep your family safe
Copy a ready-made prompt from the Staying safe prompts, like setting up a family code word or locking down your accounts. Want an AI helper you can trust? Try the AI Finder quiz.
Sources
- FBI IC3 PSA I-120324-PSA: Criminals Use Generative AI to Facilitate Financial Fraud (Dec 3, 2024)
- FBI IC3 PSA I-051525-PSA: Senior US Officials Impersonated in Malicious Messaging Campaign (May 15, 2025)
Last checked: 2026-10-19. General education, not legal or financial advice. Sample messages are made up.