Beware of Deepfakes! Learn How to Spot the Different Types

Have you ever watched a video of your favorite celebrity saying something shocking, only to later find out it was fake? Or maybe you’ve gotten an urgent email that seemed to be from your boss, but something felt wrong?

This is the world of deepfakes. It’s a fast-growing technology that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to create realistic but fake media, like videos or audio recordings.

While deepfakes can be used creatively, like for satire or entertainment, they also have a darker side. For example, in 2024, a fake robocall imitated a candidate’s voice, tricking people into thinking they said something they didn’t.

Bad actors can use deepfakes to spread false information, ruin reputations, or even manipulate financial markets. They’re also used in phishing scams. It’s important to learn how to spot deepfakes in today’s world.

So, what are the different types of deepfakes, and how can you spot them?

Face-Swapping Deepfakes

This is the most common type of deepfake, where one person’s face is seamlessly placed onto someone else’s body in a video. These can be very convincing, especially with high-quality footage and advanced AI technology.

Here’s how to spot them:

1. Look for inconsistencies: Pay attention to lighting, skin tones, and facial expressions. Do they stay consistent throughout the video? Watch for small glitches, like hair not moving naturally or slight mismatches around the face and neck.
2. Check the source: Where did you see the video? Was it from a reliable news site or an unknown social media account? Be wary of unverified sources or unfamiliar channels.
3. Listen carefully: Does the voice sound natural? Does it match the person’s usual speech patterns? Differences in tone, pitch, or accent could be signs that something isn’t right.

Deepfake Audio

This type involves creating synthetic voice recordings that mimic a specific person’s speech patterns and tone. Scammers can use these to make fake audio messages, tricking people into thinking someone said something they didn’t.

Here’s how to spot them:

1. Check the audio quality: Deepfake audio can sound robotic or unnatural, especially when compared to real recordings of the same person. Look for odd pauses, mispronunciations, or strange emphasis in the speech.
2. Compare the content: Does the message match what the person would typically say? Does it fit within the context it’s presented in? If it feels out of character or contradicts known facts, be cautious.
3. Look for verification: Is there any independent evidence supporting the claims made in the audio? If not, approach it with skepticism.

Text-Based Deepfakes

This is a new type of deepfake that uses AI to generate written content, like social media posts, articles, or emails. It mimics the writing style of a specific person or publication and can be dangerous, as scammers use it to spread misinformation or impersonate someone online.

Here’s how to spot them:

1. Read critically: Pay attention to the writing style, vocabulary, and tone. Does it sound like the person or publication you’re used to? Look for odd phrasing, grammar mistakes, or shifts in tone.
2. Check factual accuracy: Cross-check the information in the text with reliable sources. Don’t just rely on the content itself for confirmation.
3. Watch out for emotional manipulation: Be cautious of content that triggers strong emotions like fear, anger, or outrage. Scammers often use these tactics to cloud your judgment.

Deepfake Videos with Object Manipulation

This type of deepfake goes beyond faces and voices. It uses AI to alter objects in real video footage, changing their appearance or behavior. Bad actors may use this to fabricate events or manipulate visual evidence.

Here’s how to spot them:

1. Watch the physics and movement: Observe how objects move in the video. Does their movement seem natural and consistent with the laws of physics? Look for unnatural motion, sudden changes in size, or lighting and shadow inconsistencies.
2. Find the original footage: If possible, search for the original source of the video. Comparing it to the manipulated version can help you spot alterations.
3. Learn to recognize red flags: Familiarize yourself with the different types of deepfakes and how to spot them. Always verify information through trusted sources to stay informed and secure.

Staying vigilant and applying critical thinking are crucial in the age of deepfakes.

Get a Device Security Checkup

Criminals are using deepfakes in phishing attacks, and simply clicking on one could infect your device with a virus. A security checkup can help you identify and remove any potential threats.

Reach out to us today to learn more.