Deepfakes: How to Spot Them Before They Fool You

Deepfakes are no longer the stuff of sci-fi—they’re here, and they’re dangerous. Bad actors are using them to spread misinformation, ruin reputations, and even manipulate financial markets. And yes, they’re a favorite tool in phishing attacks too.

The question is, can you spot one before it’s too late? Knowing the different types of deepfakes—and their telltale signs—can save you from falling victim to these digital deceptions.

What Are the Different Types of Deepfakes (And How Do You Spot Them)?

1. Face-Swapping Deepfakes

This is the most common type of deepfake. Imagine someone’s face seamlessly superimposed onto someone else’s body in a video. With today’s sophisticated AI tools, these can be scarily convincing—especially in high-quality footage.

Here’s how to spot them:

• Look for inconsistencies: Check lighting, skin tones, and facial expressions. Do they look natural? Glitches like hair not moving realistically or slight misalignments around the face and neck are red flags.
• Check the source: Did this video come from a reputable news site, or some random social media account? Always verify the source before believing what you see.
• Listen closely: Does the voice match the person’s usual tone, pitch, or accent? Any incongruences could signal a fake.

2. Deepfake Audio

Deepfake audio is all about synthetic voice recordings that mimic someone’s speech patterns and intonations. Scammers use this to create fake audio messages or frame people for things they never said.

Here’s how to catch them:

• Focus on audio quality: Deepfake audio often sounds robotic or slightly off. Look out for strange pauses, inconsistent pronunciation, or odd emphasis.
• Compare the content: Does the message make sense coming from this person? Does it fit the context, or seem out of character?
• Seek verification: Is there any independent evidence backing up the claims? If not, treat it with skepticism.

3. Text-Based Deepfakes

Text-based deepfakes are the newest players in the game. AI generates written content—think social media posts, articles, or emails—designed to mimic someone’s writing style. These are especially dangerous for spreading misinformation or impersonating individuals online.

Spot them by doing the following:

• Read critically: Check the writing style, tone, and vocabulary. Do they match what you’d expect? Unusual phrasing or grammatical errors could be clues.
• Check factual accuracy: Cross-check the information against trusted sources. Don’t take the content at face value.
• Be wary of emotional triggers: Scammers love content that stirs up outrage, fear, or anger. If something feels emotionally manipulative, step back and think critically.

4. Deepfake Videos with Object Manipulation

These deepfakes don’t stop at faces or voices—they go after objects in video footage. From altering appearances to fabricating events, bad actors use these to create visual lies.

Here’s how to spot them:

• Observe physics and movement: Do objects move naturally? Are lighting and shadows consistent? Watch for sudden size changes or anything that defies the laws of physics.
• Find the original footage: If possible, track down the source video and compare it to what you’re seeing. Spotting edits is often easier when you have the real thing as a reference.

In today’s digital age, staying vigilant is your best defense. Learn the warning signs, apply critical thinking, and always verify information through reliable sources. It’s the only way to stay a step ahead of deepfake scams.

Get a Device Security Checkup

Deepfakes aren’t just about fooling your eyes and ears—they can be phishing traps too. One wrong click could download a virus or malware onto your device.

Want peace of mind? Let us check your devices for hidden threats and clean up any vulnerabilities. Contact us today to schedule your device security checkup and keep yourself protected.