The FBI is warning that criminals are increasingly using generated AI techniques, particularly deepfakes, to exploit unsuspecting individuals. This alarm This is a reminder that these technologies are becoming increasingly sophisticated and accessible, and we need to be urgently vigilant to protect ourselves from potential scams. Let's take a look at what deepfakes are, how criminals are using them, and what steps you can take to protect your personal information.
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FBI Building in DC (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
The rise of deepfake technology
Deepfakes refer to AI-generated content that can convincingly imitate real human voices, images, videos, etc. Criminals use these techniques to impersonate individuals, often in crisis situations. For example, you can generate an audio clip that sounds like a loved one asking for emergency financial assistance, or create a real-time video call that appears to involve a company executive or law enforcement officer. There is a gender. The FBI has identified 17 common techniques used by criminals to create these deceptive materials.
AI illustration image (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
AI-powered grandma fights scammers
Main tactics used by criminals
The FBI has identified 17 common techniques that criminals are using to exploit generative AI technology, particularly deepfakes, for fraudulent activities. Here is a comprehensive list of these techniques.
1) Voice clone: It manipulates victims by producing audio clips that mimic the voices of family members or other trusted individuals.
2) Real-time video call: Create fake video interactions that appear to involve authority figures such as law enforcement or business executives.
3) Social engineering: They use emotional appeals to manipulate victims into revealing personal information or transferring funds.
4) AI generated text: Create realistic messages Phishing attack They use social engineering schemes to appear trustworthy.
5) AI generated image: Use synthetic images to create trustworthy profiles on social media and scam websites.
6) AI generated video: We create persuasive videos that can be used for fraud such as investment fraud and identity theft.
7) Creating fake social media profiles: Establishing fraudulent accounts that use AI-generated content to deceive others.
8) Phishing emails: It sends emails that appear legitimate but are created using AI to trick recipients into providing sensitive information.
9) Celebrity impersonation: Deepfake technology is used to create video or audio clips that imitate fraudulent famous figures.
10) Fake ID: Generate fraudulent identities, such as driver's licenses or credentials, for purposes of identity fraud or identity theft.
11) Investment fraud schemes: Deploy AI-generated materials to convince victims to invest in non-existent opportunities.
12) Ransom Demand: Pretending to be a suffering loved one and demanding ransom payment from the victim.
13) Voice recognition system operation: Use cloned voices to bypass security measures that rely on voice authentication.
14) False Charity Claims: Deepfake content is often created during times of crisis to solicit donations under false pretenses.
15) Business Email Compromise: Create emails that appear to come from an executive or trusted contact to authorize fraudulent transactions.
16) Create a misinformation campaign: The use of deepfake videos as part of a broader disinformation campaign, especially regarding important events such as elections.
17) Exploiting a crisis situation: Emotional manipulation is used to generate requests for urgent help or money during emergencies.
AI illustration image (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
These tactics highlight the sophistication of fraud schemes facilitated by generative AI and the importance of vigilance in protecting personal information.
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Tips to protect yourself from deepfakes
Implementing the following strategies can increase your security and awareness against deepfake-related scams.
1) Limit your online presence. Adjust your privacy settings to reduce the amount of personal information available on social media, especially high-quality images and videos.
2) Invest in a personal data deletion service. The less information there is out there, the harder it will be for someone to create a deepfake of you. No service promises to remove all data from the Internet, but if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing information from hundreds of sites over an extended period of time, a removal service is a good option. is the best. Check out my recommended data deletion services here.
3) Avoid sharing sensitive information. Never disclose personal or financial information to strangers online or over the phone.
4) Always be careful with new connections. Be careful when accepting new friends and connections on social media. Check their authenticity before engaging.
5) Check your social media privacy settings. Make sure your profile is set to private and only accept friend requests from individuals you trust. Here's how to make your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media accounts private.
6) Use two-factor authentication (2FA). embed 2FA Add it to your account to add an extra layer of security against unauthorized access.
7) Verify the caller. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the organization through official channels to independently verify the caller's identity.
8) Watermark your media. When sharing photos and videos online, consider using a digital watermark to prevent unauthorized use.
9) Monitor your account regularly. Always keep an eye on your financial and online accounts for unusual activity that could indicate fraud.
10) Use strong and unique passwords. Use different passwords for different accounts to prevent a single breach from compromising multiple services. Please consider using . password manager Generate and save complex passwords.
11) Back up your data regularly. maintain backup Protect your critical data from ransomware attacks and ensure recovery in case of data loss.
12) Create a secret verification phrase. Establish unique words and phrases with family and friends to confirm your identity during unexpected communications.
13) Beware of visual defects: Look for subtle flaws in images and videos that may indicate manipulation, such as distorted features or unnatural motion.
14) Listen for audio abnormalities. Pay attention to the tone, pitch, and choice of words in the audio clip. Voices generated by AI can sometimes sound unnatural or robotic.
15) Do not click on links or download attachments from suspicious sources. Please use caution when receiving emails, direct messages, text messages, phone calls, or other digital communications from unknown sources. This is especially true for messages that require immediate action, such as claims that your computer has been hacked or that you have won a prize. Deepfake creators try to manipulate your emotions by downloading malware or sharing your personal information. Always think before you click.
The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that can install malware and access your personal information is to install antivirus software on all your devices. This protection also warns you about phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best antivirus protection products of 2025 for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
16) Be careful when sending money. Please do not send money, gift card or cryptocurrency To people you don't know or have only met online or over the phone.
17) Report suspicious activity. If you believe you have been targeted by a scammer or are a victim of a fraud scheme, please report it to: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center.
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By following these tips, individuals can protect themselves from the risks associated with deepfake technology and related scams.
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Cart important points
The increasing use of generated AI technologies, particularly deepfakes, by criminals highlights the urgent need for awareness and caution. As the FBI warns, these advanced tools allow fraudsters to convincingly impersonate individuals, making fraud detection harder and more reliable than ever. It will be. It is important that everyone understands the tactics used by these criminals and takes proactive steps to protect their personal information. You can protect yourself from these new threats by staying informed about risks and implementing security measures such as identity verification and limiting online exposure.
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