As AI continues to evolve, so do the tricks used by cybercriminals. One of the most alarming are Deepfake videos—hyper-realistic forgeries that can make anyone appear to say or do something they never did. While the technology behind them is impressive, it’s also being used to spread misinformation, commit fraud, manipulate public opinion, and damage reputations.

Why are deepfakes created?

• Misinformation & propaganda: To influence opinions, politics, or social narratives.

• Financial fraud: To impersonate someone and trick others into transferring money or revealing sensitive info.

• Harassment or reputation damage: Targeting individuals with embarrassing or harmful content.

• Entertainment or parody: Some are harmless, but still pose risks if shared irresponsibly.

Luckily, deepfakes still leave behind digital “tells.” Here are 6 signs to help you spot one:

1. Poor Lip Sync – Mouth movements don’t align with speech or appear robotic.

2. Unrecognizable or Artificial Voice – Voice doesn’t match known tone or sounds synthetic.

3. Stiff or Mismatched Facial Expressions – Expressions don’t match words or emotions.

4. Blurry or Flickering Face Edges – Watch for visual glitches around ears, hairlines, or jawlines.

5. Inconsistent Shadows or Lighting – Odd illumination or mismatched shadows.

6. Unnatural Eye Movement – Fixed gaze, lifeless eyes, or unusual blinking patterns.

How to protect yourself and prevent compromise:

• Verify the source: Only trust content from reliable, official accounts.

• Cross-check facts: Compare what you see with reputable news outlets or official statements.

• Think before sharing: Don’t forward content unless you’re sure it’s real.

• Report suspicious content: Notify platforms or authorities if it appears harmful or fraudulent.

• Protect your personal info: Deepfakes often target publicly available photos or videos; keep private content private.

As these manipulated videos become harder to detect, staying vigilant is critical. If something feels off—pause, question it, and verify. Your awareness is your first line of defense. Not everything you watch online is the truth, but with the right tools and a sharp eye, you can stay one step ahead.