Beware the Risks of Deepfake AI: How to Protect Yourself Against Scams and Misinformation
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here, transforming industries and reshaping how we live and work. Tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Elon Musk’s Grok have gone mainstream, showcasing the incredible potential of AI. But with these advancements come serious risks—none more alarming than the rise of deepfake AI technology.
Deepfake AI uses advanced algorithms to create highly realistic media, from swapping faces in videos to mimicking voices or fabricating entire audio or visual recordings. It works by training on real examples and generating content that looks or sounds remarkably authentic.
Take, for example, a chilling case reported by The Wall Street Journal in 2019. The CEO of a UK-based energy firm received what he believed was a call from his boss, the chief executive of their German parent company. The voice was convincing enough for him to authorize a $243,000 transfer to a Hungarian supplier. It wasn’t until after multiple follow-ups that he grew suspicious, but by then it was too late.
At Crossroads Law, your safety and security are our top priorities. In this blog, we’ll break down some of the risks of deepfake AI, teach you how to spot potential scams, and share how our communication policy helps protect you from these emerging threats.
How Deepfakes Are Used for Fraud and Misinformation
While AI technology can have legitimate uses, it’s increasingly being exploited to commit fraud and spread both misinformation (unintentionally false information) and disinformation (intentionally misleading content). Fraudsters are now using deepfake AI to:
- Impersonate individuals - Mimicking a trusted contact’s voice or appearance to manipulate victims.
- Spread misinformation - Disseminating fake video or audio to mislead audiences.
- Deceive businesses - Crafting fake instructions or documents to steal money or sensitive information.
Your first line of defense is to be a critical consumer of information. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is. Always verify the source of an email, text, or phone call, especially if it involves money.
Spotting Deepfake Scams: What to Look For
Deepfake technology isn’t perfect. Here are some telltale signs to watch for:
- Mouth movements don’t align: In less polished deepfakes, you might notice mismatched audio and lip movements.
- Unnatural facial features: Look for inconsistencies like double eyebrows, blurred jewelry, or exaggerated expressions.
- Unrealistic eye movements or blinking: Deepfakes often struggle to replicate natural blinking patterns or subtle eye movements.
- Side profiles: If you suspect a video is fake, ask the person to turn sideways—deepfakes often falter with side profiles.
- Unnatural shadows or skin textures: Pay attention to lighting and shadows.
Above all, stay alert and think critically. When something doesn’t feel right, investigate it further.
Protecting Yourself Against Deepfake Scams
While there are “tells” to help you identify deepfakes, some are so well-crafted that spotting them can be nearly impossible. To illustrate just how convincing these can be, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) developed a DetectFakes website. This interactive tool challenges users to differentiate between real and AI-manipulated images, highlighting how easy it is to be deceived.
So, how can you protect yourself when even trained eyes can struggle to tell the difference? Here are some tips to help you stay safe:
- Ask probing questions - If you receive a suspicious call or video, ask unexpected or detailed questions. Fraudsters relying on pre-recorded messages or AI-generated content often can’t respond convincingly in real time.
Example: Imagine receiving a call from someone claiming to be your lawyer, but their responses feel vague or off. Asking something specific—like a case detail only your lawyer would know—can help expose fraud. - Verify directly - Don’t rely on caller ID, email headers, or social media accounts, as these can be faked. Always contact your lawyer or their assistant directly using the official contact details provided in your retainer agreement.
Example: If you receive an unexpected payment request, call your lawyer or their assistant’s verified number to confirm before acting. - Be cautious with sensitive information: Never share personal or financial details unless you are absolutely certain of the sender’s identity. Fraudsters often create a false sense of urgency to trick you into acting quickly.
Example: If someone pressures you to provide banking information “immediately,” pause, verify, and don’t give in to urgency tactics.
Crossroads Law Communication Policy
To help protect you, we’ve implemented a strict communication policy:
- Emails will always come from an @crossroadslaw.ca address.
- We will never contact you via WhatsApp, social media, or other unsolicited messaging platforms.
- Payments can only be made via credit card (MasterCard or Visa), e-transfer, or our secure Clover system. We will never request payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
- We will also never send unsolicited video or audio recordings requesting funds.
You can read our full communication policy here.
If you receive a suspicious message or call claiming to be from a Crossroads Law lawyer or staff member, don’t hesitate to verify. Contact our office directly at 1-877-445-2627 to confirm the legitimacy of any communication.
