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Don’t mistake the fake!

Everyday we’re seeing more and more realistic-looking fake videos and audio recordings created with special computer programs. Although these “deepfakes” can be used for fun or creative reasons, they can also be used to trick people and cause harm. It’s important to know how to spot these fake scams to keep yourself safe. In this blog, we’ll share seven easy tips to help you spot these tricky fakes!

Understanding Deepfakes

First, let’s talk a little about how these deepfakes are made. These fake videos or audios are created using a special kind of computer program called generative adversarial networks (GANs). GANs are like a team of two players: one creates the fake content, and the other checks how real it looks. They work together, with the creator trying to make more convincing fakes, and the checker getting better at spotting them.

Detection Methods:

1.Look for Weird Things

One of the simplest ways to spot a fake is to look for things that seem off or weird. This could include faces making strange expressions, lips not moving in sync with the words, or eyes not looking quite right. If the background looks strange or has odd glitches, that could also be a sign.

2. Listen Carefully

Pay attention to the sound in the video or audio clip. If the voice sounds a bit robotic or strange, or if the way the person is talking doesn’t sound like them, it might be a fake.

3. Check the Background

Fakes often have trouble with complex backgrounds. Look for strange or distorted parts in the video’s background that don’t look right.

4. Look for Clues in the File Info

Every file, like a photo or video, has hidden information about when it was created and how it was edited. If you notice unusual dates or editing software in this info, it could be a sign of a fake.

5. Use Special Tools

There are tools and software made to help spot fakes. These tools look for the usual signs of a fake, such as odd facial expressions or strange background elements. Some popular ones include Microsoft’s Video Authenticator, Deepware Scanner, and Reality Defender.

6. Check Where It Came From

Before believing something, especially if it’s something big or surprising, check where it came from. Make sure it’s shared by people or places you trust. If you’re unsure, you can try to find the original source with a reverse image or video search.

7. Trust Your Gut!

If something feels off or seems too good (or bad) to be true, it probably is. Trust your gut feeling and do some more research before making decisions based on what you see or hear.

In conclusion, scams using deepfakes can be very convincing, making it hard to tell what’s real and what’s not. However, by being aware and using the tips above, you can protect yourself from falling for these scams. Remember to check the source, look for anything unusual, use special tools to make sure the content you’re looking at or listening to is real, and most importantly, trust your gut feeling!