Cybersecurity Corner | Deepfake Sweethearts: Don't Let a Bot Break Your Heart

February is usually a month of candy hearts and bouquets, but at PrimeTrust, we’re keeping a close eye on a darker trend that is breaking more than just hearts. As we move deeper into the 2020s, the "Catfish" of yesterday has evolved into something far more dangerous: the AI-generated scammer. In the past, you could often spot a romance scammer by their grainy photos, poor grammar, or refusal to hop on a video call. But today, Artificial Intelligence has handed fraudsters a "digital mask." Using high-end "Deepfake" technology, scammers can now create lifelike avatars that look, move, and speak just like a real person. They aren't just stealing your photos; they are stealing your trust.

The Evolution of the Romance Scam

The traditional romance scam involved a fraudster using a stolen photo of a soldier or a model to lure victims into a long-distance emotional connection. Once the victim was "hooked," a tragedy would strike—a medical emergency, a legal bill, or a broken plane ticket—and the victim would be asked to send money.

With Deepfakes, the scam is much more intimate. A scammer can now use AI to generate a voice that sounds warm and local. They can participate in a video call where their face is mapped over a real person's movements, making it look like you are truly chatting with the person in the profile picture. For many, seeing a face and hearing a voice is the ultimate "proof" of legitimacy. Scammers are banking on that trust.

How to Spot a "Deepfake" Sweetheart

While AI is getting better, it isn't perfect. There are still "glitches" that can give a bot away if you know where to look:

1. Why Scammers May Avoid Video: Scammers can create voice notes or phone calls that sound warm, familiar and emotionally authentic — sometimes even mimicking regional accents or speech patterns. They may claim poor internet service, broken cameras or privacy concerns as a reason to avoid video altogether. 
2. The Uncanny Valley: Look at the eyes and mouth. Do the eyes blink naturally? Does the mouth movement perfectly match the sounds of the words? Often, AI video will have a slight "blur" around the chin or hair when the person moves quickly.
3. The Lighting Test: If the person says they are outside but the lighting on their face doesn't change when they move, it’s likely a digital overlay.
4. The "Physics" Challenge: If you suspect you're talking to a bot, ask them to do something random. "Could you hold your hand up in front of your face?" or "Can you turn your head all the way to the left?" AI overlays often "break" or pixelate when a physical object (like a hand) crosses the digital mask.

The "Slow Burn" Strategy

Today’s scammers are patient. They might talk to you for months without asking for a dime. They want to become a part of your daily routine. They send "good morning" texts and "goodnight" voice notes. This is known as "grooming."

The goal is to reach a level of intimacy where, when the "ask" finally comes, your first instinct is to help a friend rather than protect your finances. They may even suggest "investing" together in a new cryptocurrency platform—this is a hybrid scam called "Pig Butchering," where they fatten up the victim's trust before taking everything.

Protecting Your Assets at PrimeTrust

At PrimeTrust Federal Credit Union, we see the aftermath of these scams. It’s not just the financial loss; it’s the emotional betrayal. To protect yourself, follow these non-negotiables:

• Never send money to someone you have not met in the physical world.
• Be wary of "Investment Tips": If a romantic interest starts talking about "guaranteed returns" in crypto or forex, it is a scam 100% of the time.
• Check with your "Village": If you’re in a new online relationship, tell a trusted friend or family member. Scammers rely on isolation; a neutral third party can often see the red flags you might miss.

Love should be life-changing, but it shouldn't be bank-breaking. If you ever feel pressured to send money or share your PrimeTrust login credentials with a "sweetheart," stop and call us first. We are here to be your protective partner.  We are here to be your protective partner, if you assume it’s a scam don’t hesitate to give PrimeTrust a call.