AI and Deepfake Scams
Deepfake Video Scam
Deepfake Video Scam explained in plain English: what to watch for, what to do, and how to practice safely.
Example message
Video message: Your manager asks you to approve a confidential payment today.
What it is
Deepfake Video Scam is a ai and deepfake scams scheme where an ordinary message, call, email, or chat is shaped into an urgent request. It is designed to make you act before checking the source.
How it works
The scam usually starts with a believable prompt such as: “Video message: Your manager asks you to approve a confidential payment today.” From there, the person is pushed toward a link, payment, code, document, or conversation before they can verify the request independently.
Red flags
- Familiar voice or polished message
- Urgent money or data request
- Cannot verify through normal channel
- Secrecy or unusual timing
What to do
- Do not use the link, phone number, or payment instruction from the message.
- Verify sensitive requests through a separate known channel.
- If you entered information or sent money, contact your bank or account provider immediately and save screenshots.
If it already happened
- Stop communicating with the sender.
- Do not send more money or codes.
- Contact the real company, bank, platform, or agency through an official channel.
- Save the message, number, email, and screenshots.
Prevention tips
- Save official websites and app links instead of trusting message links.
- Pause when a request adds urgency, secrecy, or an unusual payment step.
- Verify sensitive requests through a separate known channel.
- Practice the related eSafe Academy training before a real message arrives.
Related scam guides
Practice safely
Try the matching training scenario
Every guide ends with practice. Use the eSafe Academy training flow to rehearse the safe response before a real message arrives.