Deepfake Videos Are Everywhere — How to Spot Them

By Jonathan Reeves – Investigative Reporter

The Rise of Fake Faces

It used to be that you could trust what you saw in a video. Not anymore. Thanks to artificial intelligence, criminals can now create deepfake videos so convincing that even experts sometimes struggle to tell them apart.

These fakes aren’t just funny internet clips — they’re being used to scam people out of money, impersonate loved ones, and even spread dangerous lies.

For older adults, the threat is especially worrying. A fake video of a family member asking for help, or a fake news clip urging you to send money, can feel impossible to ignore.

How Deepfakes Trick You

Criminals use deepfakes in several ways:

• Impersonating Family Members – A video call from “your daughter” asking for urgent money.
• Fake News Clips – Fraudsters spread lies to influence emotions and decisions.
• CEO Fraud – Scammers create fake videos of bosses telling employees to transfer funds.

“Deepfakes combine the trust of video with the deception of a scam,” says Dr. Fiona Clarke, an AI security researcher. “For many victims, it feels impossible to say no.”

Real Victims, Real Consequences

Earlier this year, 71-year-old Margaret from Kent received a video message from her “grandson” asking for money after a car accident. She wired £2,000 before discovering the video was fake.

“I still can’t believe it wasn’t him,” she admitted. “The voice, the face, everything looked real.”

Experts say cases like Margaret’s are multiplying — and the technology keeps improving.

Signs a Video Might Be Fake

Spotting a deepfake isn’t always easy, but look for:

• Unnatural Blinking or Movements
• Lips Not Matching Speech Exactly
• Strange Background Glitches
• Overly Perfect or Plastic-Looking Faces

If something feels off, trust your instincts — and verify through another channel.

Protecting Yourself from Deepfakes

• Always confirm requests through a phone call or in-person conversation.
• Be cautious of urgent demands for money or sensitive information.
• Install trusted security software on your devices.
• Stay informed — awareness is your best defense.

Dr. Clarke emphasizes: “Technology will keep advancing, but with the right precautions, you can outsmart the scams.”

Closing Note

Deepfakes are one of the fastest-growing cyber threats of our time. They play on trust, emotions, and urgency — making them especially dangerous for families and older adults.

☎️ Don’t be fooled. Call (855) 247-9875 now for free advice and immediate support from certified experts.