How to spot scam AI videos

There has been a steep rise in the number of deepfake videos designed to scam you appearing on social media platforms, it has been claimed.

Consumer champion Which? has been looking into the tactics con artists use and pointing out telltale signs that a video may be a scam.

What are deepfake videos?

In deepfake videos, a person’s face or body is changed using artificial intelligence (AI) so they appear to be someone else.

One deepfake video Which? discovered on Facebook imitates a BBC newsreader. In it, the presenter covers a story about a single mum becoming a millionaire after winning the jackpot on an app called Jellys Rush.

When you actually download it (not recommended!), Jellys Rush, which was advertised as a gaming app in the fake video, doesn't allow you to play games but claims to offer you the chance to make money by spinning a wheel and through online scratch cards. Users are then directed to a couple of online casinos: Jokabet and KingsHill. Neither casino is registered with the Gambling Commission or Companies House and users have complained of being unable to withdraw money from the sites. Following the Which? investigation, Apple has now removed the scam app Jellys Rush from its store.

A second deepfake video on Facebook and Instagram highlighted by Which? again imitates a BBC news report into an investment opportunity that it says has made hundreds of people millionaires. The report features a fake clip of Elon Musk promoting the scheme. Notorious scammers Quantum AI were found to be behind the video.

How can you spot a deepfake video?

Deepfake videos use trusted brands and people to lull us into a false sense of security. But there are telltale signs that provide clues a video could be fake. Here’s what to look out for:

• robotic voices
• odd background noises
• unnatural expressions
• strange body movements
• bad lip syncing
• blurring
• videos posted by an unofficial account

What to do if you spot a deepfake video

If you spot a deepfake video, don’t download apps or click on any links it directs you to. It could install malware on your device.

It’s also important to report the suspect video.

Report apps to Apple on its report a problem website.

Report apps to Google, by going to the details page of the app and tapping more. You’ll then be able to flag the app as inappropriate.

Report dodgy videos on Facebook by hitting the three dots in the top right corner of a post and pressing report.

What to do if you’re the victim of a deepfake video scam

Call your bank as soon as possible on the number on the back of your bank card and tell Action Fraud.