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AI voice scams mimic family and friends to steal money – this is how to spot deepfake calls
United Kingdom💻 TechnologyCenter3 hr. ago

AI voice scams mimic family and friends to steal money – this is how to spot deepfake calls

Criminals are using AI-generated deepfake technology to impersonate family members and friends in order to trick individuals into sending money. These scams involve mimicking both voices and appearances, making it difficult to detect through traditional methods like caller ID or visual cues. According to a report by UK Finance, nearly £1.3 billion was stolen via such scams in 2025. Experts advise against relying solely on visual or auditory clues to identify these scams, as the technology has advanced significantly. Instead, they recommend focusing on behavioral red flags, such as urgent requests for money or secrecy, and verifying the caller's identity through known contact information rather than numbers provided during the call.

3 reports

The Independent logoThe IndependentIndependentCenter3 hr. ago
AI voice scams mimic family and friends to steal money – this is how to spot deepfake calls

Criminals are using AI-generated deepfake technology to impersonate family members and friends in order to trick individuals into sending money. These scams involve mimicking both voices and appearances, making it difficult to detect through traditional methods like caller ID or visual cues. According to a report by UK Finance, nearly £1.3 billion was stolen via such scams in 2025. Experts advise against relying solely on visual or auditory clues to identify these scams, as the technology has advanced significantly. Instead, they recommend focusing on behavioral red flags, such as urgent requests for money or secrecy, and verifying the caller's identity through known contact information rather than numbers provided during the call.

Bias read (Center): The article discusses technological advancements in AI and their misuse in scams, which is primarily a technology and security issue. There is no significant political framing or bias evident in the content. The article provides expert opinions and practical advice without taking a stance on any政治议题

Full Fact logoFull FactIndependentCenteryesterday
AI video of plane at Riyadh airport exploding circulates online

A video circulating online appears to show a missile striking an airplane at Riyadh's international airport, accompanied by claims that it depicts a recent attack. However, the video has been identified as artificial intelligence-generated content and is not based on any real event. The clip has been widely shared across social media platforms, raising concerns about the spread of deepfakes and misinformation. Experts and fact-checking organizations have confirmed the authenticity of the video as fabricated. This incident highlights the growing challenge of distinguishing between real and AI-generated content, particularly in high-stakes scenarios such as international security.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced view by confirming the video is AI-generated and does not take a stance on the implications or blame any particular group. It focuses on verifying the authenticity of the video rather than taking a political position.

Full Fact logoFull FactIndependentCenter4 days ago
Clip of Bill Gates discussing water shortages and ‘mass mortality event’ is a deepfake

A viral video has been identified as a deepfake, falsely claiming that Bill Gates stated one billion people would die by 2027 due to water shortages. The clip was created using artificial intelligence technology to misrepresent Gates' views. This misinformation spread rapidly online, leading to widespread concern and confusion among viewers. Experts and fact-checking organizations have confirmed that Gates did not make such a statement. The incident highlights the growing issue of deepfakes being used to spread false information.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual correction of a deepfake video involving a prominent figure, without taking a stance on the broader implications or political ramifications. It focuses on verifying the authenticity of the content rather than promoting any particular viewpoint.

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