Deepfakes do exist in telephony, and they are becoming increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect. Here's what you need to know:

What are audio deepfakes?

Audio deepfakes use artificial intelligence (AI) to mimic the voice of a specific person, allowing them to say things that the person never actually said. These deepfakes can be created with relatively little training data and can sound very convincing, especially in short snippets.

How are they used in telephony?

The most common use of deepfakes in telephony is for scamming. Scammers can use deepfakes to impersonate someone you know or trust, like a family member, friend, or colleague. They may then try to pressure you into sending them money, sharing personal information, or taking other actions that could harm you.

Here are some examples of how deepfakes have been used in scams:

• Impersonating a CEO: In 2019, scammers used a deepfake to impersonate the CEO of a UK-based energy firm and tricked an employee into transferring €220,000 to a fake account.

• Targeting family members: Scammers are increasingly targeting people with deepfakes that sound like their loved ones, often claiming to be in trouble and needing money urgently.

• Vishing (voice phishing): Scammers may use deepfakes to automate phishing calls, making them sound more convincing and increasing the chances of success.

How to protect yourself:

While deepfakes are becoming more sophisticated, there are still ways to protect yourself:

• Be suspicious of unexpected calls or messages: If you receive a call or message from someone you know, especially if it's out of character or urgent, be suspicious. Don't send money or share personal information until you've verified their identity independently.

• Pay attention to red flags: Listen carefully for unnatural pauses, distortions, or robotic sounds in the voice. These can be signs of a deepfake.

• Don't be pressured into making quick decisions: Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting before you think. Take your time to verify the information and trust your gut.

• Verify independently: If you're unsure about the identity of the caller, hang up and call them back using a known phone number. Don't rely on the phone number displayed on your caller ID.

By being aware of the risks and taking precautions, you can help protect yourself from falling victim to deepfake scams.

Additionally:

• Technology companies are also working on developing ways to detect and prevent deepfakes.

• Some research suggests that humans may be better at detecting deepfakes when they are engaged in natural conversation, rather than listening to isolated voice clips.