Deepfake Voice and Video: Verify Through Another Channel
If a voice or video requests an urgent payment or sensitive information, verify through another trusted channel. Looking or sounding familiar is not enough.
By ZoraSafe · Content reviewed · Originally published
What a deepfake changes
Synthetic or manipulated media can imitate someone’s appearance or voice. You do not need to detect the manipulation yourself: use a separate verification process for the request.
Sources: FTC: Scammers use AI to enhance family emergency schemes
Avoid a visual guessing contest
Do not rely on a caller turning their head, saying a phrase you just supplied or appearing on a video call as proof of identity. Agree verification methods in advance and reconnect using known contact details.
Sources: FTC: Scammers use fake emergencies to steal your money
Use a calm verification sequence
- Pause the payment or disclosure.
- End the incoming conversation and call a saved or independently verified number.
- For family requests, use your agreed passphrase without revealing the answer.
- For work requests, follow established approval channels.
- If you already acted, record what happened and contact the account or payment provider.
Sources: FTC: Scammers use fake emergencies to steal your money; FTC: What to do if you were scammed
Limits
This guide does not claim every AI-generated call is unlawful or every impersonation uses AI. The safety decision is whether you can independently verify the request.
Sources and product references
Reviewed 2026-10-07. Source dates and scope matter; a linked source supports the associated guidance, not every claim about every product.