An Overview of Deepfakes

Understanding Deepfake Technology and How to Protect Yourself

Deepfake technology has recently emerged as the latest tool bad actors have leveraged to conduct their cyber scams. Cybercriminals have used many different methods for these scams over the years, but if you knew what to look for, you'd be able to spot the red flags that would let you know that someone is trying to get you into turning over valuable sensitive information and money.

The problem with deepfake technology is that it obscures those red flags, adding a frightening level of realism to these cyber scams. It can also be manipulated to make a person's likeness and voice appear on explicit content. Regardless of age range, anyone could have their image abused by deepfake technology.

Deepfake technology is still in its infancy, but that doesn't mean you cannot take action to protect yourself and your loved ones. This client guide will explain how deepfake technology works, and what you should do if you encounter it online. This guide will also specifically cover what to do in the event deepfake technology is used in a malicious manner against minors.

What is Deepfake Technology?
Deepfake technology uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to impersonate a person—either by mimicking their voice, appearance, or both. The goal is to convince others they are interacting with a real person when they are not.

To do this, cybercriminals gather large amounts of data—photos, videos, and audio recordings—of the person they want to impersonate. With enough data, AI models can reproduce the individual’s facial expressions, vocal tone, and speaking patterns with unsettling accuracy. The more data the attacker has, the more realistic the result.

This is especially dangerous when public figures—or even everyday social media users—have ample content online that bad actors can exploit.

How Bad Actors Use Deepfake Technology
Deepfakes can be weaponized in multiple ways. Below are the most common scenarios:

1. Impersonating Someone to Commit Fraud

• Grandparent Scam: Criminals may impersonate a grandchild using a deepfake voice model. They call the grandparents, claiming to be in legal trouble and urgently need money. Because the voice sounds so familiar, the grandparents may believe the story and send money.

• Business Email Compromise (BEC): An executive’s voice is cloned to instruct employees to transfer funds or share sensitive information. Thinking the request is legitimate, the employee complies.

2. Inserting Facial Images into Explicit Content
   Deepfake technology is used to overlay a person’s face onto explicit videos, often without their knowledge or consent. Victims have ranged from celebrities to minors, causing immense emotional and reputational harm.

3. Damaging Reputations with Fake Audio/Video
   Attackers may create fake videos of a person making offensive or defamatory remarks to embarrass or discredit them.

How to Handle Deepfake Scams
If you suspect you’re being targeted by a deepfake scam, follow these steps:

• Validate Requests: Don’t respond to suspicious or urgent requests for money or sensitive data. Try contacting the person directly through known and trusted communication channels.

• Use a Code Word: Establish a unique, private code word with close friends and family. If you receive a suspicious request, ask for the code word to verify the person’s identity.

• Avoid Immediate Action: Just like with phishing scams, stay calm. Urgent language is a hallmark of scams—pause and assess before acting.

• Limit Online Exposure: Reduce the amount of personal media you share online, particularly public videos and voice clips. This minimizes what deepfake creators can use.

• Report to Authorities: If you believe you are being targeted or have fallen victim to a deepfake scam, contact local law enforcement before engaging further. They may be able to investigate and intervene.

What to Do If Deepfake Technology Targets a Minor
Unfortunately, minors can be especially vulnerable to deepfake abuse. Here’s what to do if your child is targeted:

1. Document Everything
   Save all relevant content, including screenshots, links, and any communications. This documentation will be essential for law enforcement and legal action.

2. Contact the Platform
   Immediately report the deepfake and any hacked accounts to the platform. Most social platforms have reporting tools for harmful or explicit content. You can also submit removal requests and seek help from organizations like StopNCII.org.

3. Notify Law Enforcement
   File a report with your local authorities. Be prepared to share your documentation. This ensures the incident is officially logged and allows police to take appropriate action.

4. Consider Legal Support
   Speak with a privacy attorney or child protection lawyer. They may help with cease-and-desist letters, subpoenas, or other legal remedies to pursue the perpetrators.

5. Report to National Authorities
   File a report with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) CyberTipline or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

6. Secure Online Accounts
   Make sure your child’s accounts are protected with strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access.

7. Stay Alert
   Set up alerts or monitoring services to be notified if new deepfakes appear using your child’s image or name.

Final Thoughts
Deepfake technology is advancing rapidly—and while it presents serious risks, knowledge and preparation remain your strongest defense. Whether it’s impersonation for scams or non-consensual use of personal images, taking swift and thoughtful action can minimize harm. If you ever find yourself in a situation involving deepfakes—whether for yourself, your business, or your children—know that support and resources are available.

For more guidance or assistance, don’t hesitate to contact the BlackCloak Concierge Team. We’re here to help protect you and your digital presence.