Have you ever seen a video of your favorite celebrity saying something shocking, only to find out later that it was entirely fabricated? Or you’ve received an urgent email that looked like it came from your boss, but something felt off.
Here at DubLow Digital, we understand how confusing and potentially dangerous these situations can be. Welcome to the world of deepfakes—a rapidly evolving technology using artificial intelligence (AI) to create synthetic media, like videos or audio recordings, that seem real but are actually manipulated.
Deepfakes can serve creative purposes, such as satire or entertainment, but their potential for misuse is concerning. From political campaigns to financial fraud, bad actors use deepfakes to deceive audiences and spread misinformation. 2024, for instance, a fake robocall using a candidate’s voice attempted to manipulate voters in Colorado. These misuses make it crucial for small businesses in Colorado to understand deepfakes and know how to spot them.
What Are the Different Types of Deepfakes, and How Can You Spot Them?
Face-Swapping Deepfakes
The most common type of deepfake involves swapping one person’s face with another’s body in a video. High-quality footage and advanced AI algorithms can make these swaps highly convincing.
How to Spot Them:
- Look for Inconsistencies: Close attention to lighting, skin tones, and facial expressions. Do they look natural and consistent throughout the video? Watch for subtle glitches, such as hair not moving realistically or slight facial and neck misalignments.
- Check the Source: Did you find the video on a reputable news website, or was it shared on a random social media page? Always be cautious of unverified sources.
- Listen Closely: Does the voice sound natural? Does it match the person’s typical speech patterns? Inconsistencies in voice tone, pitch, or accent are often telltale signs of deepfakes.
Deepfake Audio
Deepfake audio involves creating synthetic voice recordings that mimic someone’s speech patterns. Scammers can use these recordings to create fake audio messages, making it seem like someone said something they never did.
How to Spot Them:
- Focus on Audio Quality: Deepfake audio often sounds slightly robotic or unnatural. Listen for unusual pauses, inconsistent pronunciation, or strange emphasis.
- Compare the Content: Does the message align with what the person would usually say, or does it seem out of character? Think about the context in which the audio is presented.
- Seek Verification: Is there independent evidence to back up the claims? If not, it’s wise to approach it with skepticism.
Text-Based Deepfakes
A newer form of deepfake, this type uses AI to generate written content—like social media posts, articles, or emails—to mimic a specific person’s writing style. Text-based deepfakes can be especially dangerous, as scammers use them to spread misinformation or impersonate others online.
How to Spot Them:
- Read Critically: Does the writing style, vocabulary, and tone match how the person or publication typically writes? Look for unusual phrasing or grammatical errors.
- Check Factual Accuracy: Cross-reference the information with trusted sources. Don’t rely on the content itself for confirmation.
- Be Wary of Emotional Triggers: Be cautious of content that evokes strong emotions like fear or anger. Scammers use these tactics to manipulate your judgment.
Deepfake Videos with Object Manipulation
This type of deepfake manipulates objects within a video, altering their appearance or behavior. Bad actors may use this to fabricate events or alter visual evidence.
How to Spot Them:
- Observe Physics and Movement: Pay attention to how objects move in the video. Does the movement look natural and consistent with the laws of physics? Unnatural motion, sudden changes in size, or inconsistent lighting could indicate manipulation.
- Seek Original Footage: Find the source of the video to compare it against what you’re seeing.
Stay One Step Ahead with DubLow Digital
In this age of deepfakes, vigilance and critical thinking are more important than ever. At DubLow Digital, we help small businesses in Colorado navigate these challenges. Familiarize yourself with the different types of deepfakes, learn to recognize the signs, and always verify information through trusted sources. Doing so will protect yourself and your business from becoming a target.
Get a Device Security Checkup
Deepfakes are increasingly being used for phishing, and a simple click could lead to downloading malicious software. Here at DubLow Digital, we offer comprehensive device security checkups to give you peace of mind. Let us help you identify and remove potential threats so you can focus on what matters most—growing your business.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can secure your business.
