Show Second Card Row (Edit-mode Only) Max 2 Rows | Max 3 cards per Row

This visibility toggle has no effect on live site

If any content is on any card in second row, it will show on live site

Catfishing and AI

Most people are familiar with the term. “Catfishing” is a form of cyber crime where someone assumes a fake identity or borrows a real one for an illegal purpose. These can include theft of money or personal information, profiting off of disaster, or even luring children. 

Catfishing used to be labor-intensive and complicated to pull off, which discouraged simple opportunists. Now, AI can create a hyper-realistic “deepfake” with almost no effort required from the actual criminal. These AI personas are sophisticated and realistic. They can utilize photos, videos, and audio convincingly. AI can generate multi-platform social media presences, create legitimate-looking identification documents, and fake entire backstories and social histories. In some cases, they can even imitate celebrities or people you know. Just last year, scammers sent a Florida woman a deepfake audio of her daughter in distress. Believing her daughter had been in a terrible accident, she lost $15,000 to the scam. 

The good news? Although catfishing technology is ever-changing, protective measures remain relatively familiar, with a few notable changes. 

Know the Warning Signs

If someone you are talking to is behaving suspiciously, it may be an AI impersonator. Here are some red flags: 

  • Refusal to video call (more difficult to maintain an AI persona on a live feed)

  • Communications that are too polished, scripted, or robotic

  • Pressure to move your communications off official platforms (like dating apps or social media)

  • Rushed relationships and sense of urgency

  • Requests to send money or “invest” in an opportunity

Take Preventative Measures 

AI often utilizes data-scraping to scam you or impersonate you. Don’t forget to protect your information!

  • Be conservative about what you share online. Even the basics (your place of work, contact information, your alma mater) can be used against you. 

  • Always set your social media profiles to private. Never accept friend requests from people you don’t know. 

  • Set up a free Google Alert to email you whenever your name shows up online. 

  • Use strong passwords and keep your security software updated. 

  • If you receive strange, out-of-character messages from friends or family members, contact them via another method before you respond to make sure it’s really them. 

  • Learn about deepfakes and new technologies so you know how to identify them if you come across them. 

  • Always report suspicious activity to the proper authorities. 

Your turn: What do you think about advances in AI? Have you ever spotted AI generated material online?

SecurityAdvantage One Credit UnionAdvantage One Credit UnionOnline fraud, catfishing, impersonation scams