Have you received an urgent message from your bank that just seemed… off? Or perhaps a video from a colleague that didn’t quite match their usual demeanor? You might have encountered a deepfake—AI-generated content designed to impersonate real people or organizations. As I dive deeper into writing my upcoming cybersecurity book, I’m struck by how sophisticated these threats have become.

The Deepfake Explosion

Deepfakes aren’t just a futuristic concern anymore. According to research from the Identity Theft Resource Center, impersonation scams using AI-generated content increased by 977% in 2024 compared to 2022. This explosion in sophisticated fakery means we all need better detection skills.

As I research deepfake cybersecurity scams for my book, one insight kept emerging: the best defense against deepfakes isn’t necessarily advanced technology—it’s developing a healthy skepticism and knowing what subtle signs to look for.

Red Flags in Different Media Types

Text Messages and Emails

AI-generated text often has telltale signs:

  • Unusual phrasing or awkward sentence structures
  • Generic greetings (“Dear Customer”) instead of personalized ones
  • Pressuring language creating urgency (“Act immediately”)
  • Inconsistent tone compared to previous communications
  • Perfect grammar (sometimes too perfect compared to human writing)

Voice Messages and Calls

When examining audio:

  • Listen for unnatural cadence or rhythm in speech
  • Note any missing background noise that would normally be present
  • Watch for emotional disconnects—the words express urgency but the tone remains flat
  • Check for abrupt transitions between sentences

Images and Videos

Visual deepfakes often reveal themselves through:

  • Unnatural or inconsistent lighting across the image
  • Blurry or distorted areas, especially around eyes, hair, or teeth
  • Awkward or limited movement patterns in videos
  • Missing or strange reflections in glasses or other reflective surfaces
  • Inconsistencies in facial features compared to known images

Develop Your Own Verification Process

Here’s a suggested three-step verification process that anyone can use when receiving suspicious content:

  1. Context Check: Does this message make sense given your relationship with the supposed sender? Would your bank really ask for information this way?
  2. Multi-Channel Verification: If you receive a suspicious email from your bank, don’t use the contact information in that email. Instead, call the official number on your card or visit their website directly.
  3. Technology Assistance: Use available tools like reverse image searches for suspicious photos or AI content detectors for questionable text.

One fascinating case study I encountered during my research involved a corporate treasurer who received what appeared to be an urgent video message from his CEO requesting an emergency wire transfer. The deepfake was sophisticated, but small inconsistencies in the CEO’s speech patterns and an unusual request protocol tipped off the vigilant employee

Practical Steps You Can Take Today

Here are two immediately actionable strategies you can implement:

  1. Establish verification codes with close contacts. For sensitive communications, create a simple code word or phrase that only you and trusted contacts know. Any urgent request lacking this verification should be treated with extreme caution.
  2. Implement a personal ‘waiting period’. When you receive urgent requests for money, information, or access—especially when they involve changing established procedures—institute a mandatory 30-minute waiting period before responding. This brief delay gives you time to verify through alternative channels and often prevents impulsive reactions to scams.

The Road Ahead

As I continue writing my book on personal cybersecurity, I’m constantly reminded that the landscape of threats evolves rapidly. The deepfake detection techniques I’m finding today will need regular updates—which is why I’m designing my approach around principles rather than just specific tools.

The fundamental principle remains: verify before you trust, especially when something feels unusual or when the stakes are high.

Have You Encountered Deepfake Scams?

What has your experience been with suspected AI-generated content? Have you encountered convincing deepfakes in your inbox? I’d love to hear your stories and questions in the comments below (they might even inform a future chapter in my book.)

Adventures of a Sage

Adventures of a Sage, my alter ego, is currently exploring personal cybersecurity topics on my path to writing a comprehensive book about personal cybersecurity to help everyday users protect their digital lives. Subscribe for weekly insights, tips, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the writing process.

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