Deepfakes are no longer the stuff of sci-fi—they’re here, and they’re dangerous. Bad actors are using them to spread misinformation, ruin reputations, and even manipulate financial markets. And yes, they’re a favorite tool in phishing attacks too.
The question is, can you spot one before it’s too late? Knowing the different types of deepfakes—and their telltale signs—can save you from falling victim to these digital deceptions.
What Are the Different Types of Deepfakes (And How Do You Spot Them)?
1. Face-Swapping Deepfakes
This is the most common type of deepfake. Imagine someone’s face seamlessly superimposed onto someone else’s body in a video. With today’s sophisticated AI tools, these can be scarily convincing—especially in high-quality footage.
Here’s how to spot them:
- Look for inconsistencies: Check lighting, skin tones, and facial expressions. Do they look natural? Glitches like hair not moving realistically or slight misalignments around the face and neck are red flags.
- Check the source: Did this video come from a reputable news site, or some random social media account? Always verify the source before believing what you see.
- Listen closely: Does the voice match the person’s usual tone, pitch, or accent? Any incongruences could signal a fake.
2. Deepfake Audio
Deepfake audio is all about synthetic voice recordings that mimic someone’s speech patterns and intonations. Scammers use this to create fake audio messages or frame people for things they never said.