How to Protect Yourself from AI Deepfakes Stealing Your Money and Identity

As artificial intelligence (AI) advances, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. One of the most alarming threats today is the rise of AI-generated deepfakes; highly realistic fake videos, audios, and images that can convincingly impersonate people. These deepfakes are now being used in financial scams, identity theft, and fraud, putting individuals and businesses at serious risk.

Here’s what you need to know about deepfake scams and, most importantly, how you can protect yourself.

What Are Deepfake Scams?

Deepfakes use AI to manipulate audio, video, or images to create lifelike but false content. Scammers can mimic the voice of a loved one asking for urgent money. They may create fake videos of company executives authorizing financial transfers or fabricate official identification documents to open fraudulent accounts.

The goal? To trick you into giving away money, sensitive information, or access to secure systems.

Signs You May Be Targeted by a Deepfake Scam

You receive an urgent request for money, passwords, or personal information, pressuring you to act quickly. Odd behavior or language that seems slightly “off” from the person you supposedly know. You receive a call or video from unusual phone numbers, unknown email addresses, or unfamiliar social media accounts.

How to Protect Yourself from Deepfake Scams

Always Verify Requests

Even if the voice or video seems convincing, always double-check using another method:

• Call the person back on a known, trusted number.
• Verify with a third party.
• Question unusual or urgent requests.

Use Safe Words and Ask Questions

Set up a family or workplace “safe word” that only trusted individuals know. This can be used to confirm identity in emergencies. Scammers rely on urgency. Pause and think to yourself:

• Does this sound right?
• Would this person really ask for this?
• Can I verify this through another channel?

Be Cautious About Sharing Personal Content Online

The more videos, voice recordings, and images you post publicly, the more material scammers can use to create deepfakes.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Even if a scammer gets your password, MFA adds an extra layer of protection that can stop them from accessing your accounts. If you haven’t set MFA up for accounts you access online, you should consider doing so.

Educate Yourself and Monitor Accounts

Stay updated on the latest scam tactics. Talk to family members, especially older adults and teens, who are often targets. Be wary of calls that are phishing for information or maybe recording your voice.  Regularly check your bank accounts, credit reports, and online profiles for unauthorized activity.

AI deepfake scams are becoming more sophisticated, but your best defense is awareness, verification, and caution. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is. Protecting yourself in the digital age means staying skeptical, slowing down, and double-checking. When in doubt, verify before you trust.