The increasing accessibility of artificial intelligence (AI) tools has made it easier for scammers to create deepfakes that are difficult to distinguish from genuine content. This poses a significant challenge for individuals and organizations trying to protect themselves from these sophisticated attacks. Deepfake technology is powered by AI and has become a significant threat for 2025, enabling scammers to create convincing fake videos and audio.
These scams target individuals and businesses, exploiting human vulnerabilities rather than technical flaws. Deepfakes have been used in a variety of scams, including impersonation attacks where criminals mimic executives or employees to authorize fraudulent transactions. In some cases, these scams have resulted in millions of dollars in losses. Similarly, romance scams and phishing schemes have adopted deepfake technology to manipulate victims into sharing sensitive information or transferring money.
To safeguard against deepfake scams, experts recommend several strategies.
- First, limit the amount of personal information shared online, as this can be used to create convincing fake content.
- Second, verify any suspicious communication through trusted channels, such as directly calling the person or organization involved before acting.
- Third, use detection tools designed to identify manipulated audio or video content.
- For businesses, investing in advanced cybersecurity measures like real-time AI detection systems and conducting employee training on spotting swindles is essential.
It is also recommended to use the “3A” approach: assess the message, analyze audio-visual elements for inconsistencies and authenticate the source.
As this technology continues to evolve, staying vigilant and informed is critical to protecting yourself from its misuse.
Prompt Reporting: If you feel you have fallen for a scam or suspect your accounts or identity have been compromised, report the incident immediately. RCB Bank customers can contact us at 855-226-5722 during business hours Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. excluding Federal Holidays or visit the RCB Bank Security Center website for detailed information. Need to contact RCB Bank Fraud Department on the weekend? Contact us at 877-361-0814 Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. CST or Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CST (excluding Federal Holidays).
Contact other reliable sources such as the FBI and file a complaint at ic3.gov to contribute to efforts against these fraudulent activities.
Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the author and meant for generic illustration purposes only. RCB Bank, Member FDIC.
Sources:
[1] 2025 deepfake threat predictions from biometrics, cybersecurity https://www.biometricupdate.com/202501/2025-deepfake-threat-predictions-from-biometrics-cybersecurity-insiders
[2] The 6 Most Popular AI Scams In 2025 https://caniphish.com/blog/ai-scams
[3] Understanding Deepfakes: What Older Adults Need to Know https://www.ncoa.org/article/understanding-deepfakes-what-older-adults-need-to-know/
[4] How to Protect Yourself Against Deepfakes https://www.staysafeonline.org/articles/how-to-protect-yourself-against-deepfakes
[5] Cybersecurity, Deepfakes and the Human Risk of AI Fraud https://www.govtech.com/security/cybersecurity-deepfakes-and-the-human-risk-of-ai-fraud
