Deepfake Fraud: When Seeing and Hearing Are No Longer Believing
Recorded: June 25, 2026
We naturally rely on our eyes and ears to help us determine what’s real.
If a family member calls us, we recognize their voice. If we see a video of someone speaking, we assume it’s authentic. However, today, artificial intelligence is changing that.
Deepfake technology uses AI to create realistic images, videos, and audio recordings that can imitate real people. While this technology has many legitimate applications, criminals are also using it to impersonate people, spread misinformation and commit fraud.
In some cases, scammers can clone a person’s voice using only a few seconds of audio found online. They may then use that voice to place convincing phone calls that sound remarkably authentic.
Imagine getting a call that sounds just like a family member claiming they’ve been in an accident and need money immediately. Or a voice message that appears to come from a trusted colleague requesting sensitive information. The technology behind these scams is becoming more sophisticated, making it harder to rely solely on what we see or hear.
That doesn’t mean we should become suspicious of every phone call or video message. It does mean we should pause and verify unexpected requests, especially those involving money, personal information, or urgent action.
To help protect yourself:
- Verify unexpected requests through a second communication channel.
- Be cautious of urgent demands involving money or sensitive information.
- Contact individuals using a known phone number rather than responding directly to a message.
- Consider creating a family “safe word” for emergencies.
- Remember that a familiar voice or face is no longer enough to confirm someone’s identity.
At FineMark Bank & Trust, a division of Commerce Bank, we encourage clients to approach unexpected requests with caution, even when they appear to come from someone they know and trust. As fraud tactics continue to evolve, taking a moment to verify before responding can help protect your personal information, your finances, and your peace of mind.
