SINGAPORE: The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) has launched a campaign against artificial intelligence (AI) deepfake scams.
Three generated videos show how criminals impersonate trusted contacts to steal money or personal information. In its announcement on Monday, the organisation warned that criminals can reproduce someone’s face or voice using limited material found online.
Scams can involve a supposed colleague requesting a bank transfer or a relative claiming to need emergency help. Fraudsters also use synthetic media to build convincing online relationships.
“AI is erasing the tell-tale signs of a scam,” said Toshinobu Yasuhira, director of the INTERPOL Innovation Centre. He warned that spelling mistakes, inconsistent branding and awkward formatting are becoming less useful as warning signs.
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Instead, the campaign urges people to watch for pressure, secrecy and unexpected requests for money or banking details. Rapidly intensifying online relationships and demands to leave dating platforms also warrant caution.
To reduce the risk from AI deepfake scams, INTERPOL advises people to:
- Pause before responding, even when a caller appears familiar.
- End unexpected calls and contact the person through a known, verified channel.
- Agree on a secret phrase or question with family and close friends.
- Check online profiles and whether photographs come from other sources.
- Enable two-factor authentication on online accounts.
For businesses, it recommends staff training and several verification steps before financial transactions or data transfers. Large payments should include face-to-face confirmation.
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The campaign forms part of Project SynthWave PLUS, which Japan funds to support police work on synthetic media threats.
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If you suspect a scam, contact local police. People who have recently paid a suspected scammer should also contact their bank promptly.
