Alert : Deepfake scams – AI impersonates a relative or executive to request an urgent transfer

A new type of scam uses artificial intelligence to replicate the voice, face or messages of a trusted person in order to request money urgently.
Be especially vigilant: here is how to spot these highly convincing deceptions and avoid the trap.

Deepfake scams – AI-based identity impersonation

This scam involves using AI to make it seem as though a relative, colleague or manager is genuinely contacting you. The goal is to push you to send money or share sensitive information without taking the time to verify.

How the scam works

Fraudsters collect audio clips, videos or photos published online to create a convincing imitation of a voice or face. They then use it during a call, video meeting, voice message or email to give the illusion of an authentic request.
The scenario usually relies on urgency: an immediate transfer to make, an invoice to pay, a serious personal issue or a confidential request from a senior executive. Everything is designed to prevent the victim from calmly verifying the real identity of the person contacting them.
Warning signs : urgent request for money, unusual tone, instructions to keep the matter confidential, sudden change in banking details, strange audio or video quality, refusal to verify via another channel, unusual message from a relative or manager.

Some advice :

• 🛑 Never make an urgent transfer without verifying the request through another known contact method.
• 📞 Call the person back using their usual number instead of replying to the message or call received.
• 🔎 Be wary of requests for confidentiality or immediate payment, even if the voice or image seems familiar.
• 💬 Ask a personal or professional question that only your real contact would be able to answer.
• 🏦 Always verify any change in bank details or payment instructions.
• 🔐 Limit the public sharing of voice and video content whenever possible.
• 👥 Raise awareness among your contacts and teams about this type of AI-driven impersonation.
• 🧾 Keep messages, screenshots and contact details used if you believe you have been targeted.

Conclusion

If you receive an urgent request for money or a sensitive action apparently coming from a relative or a manager, always take the time to verify the information through an independent channel. A simple check can be enough to stop this manipulation before any financial loss.

You can report this attempt to National Cyber Security Centre (UK) and the Federal Trade Commission reporting platform (US). In the event of a fraudulent transfer, contact your bank immediately and report the incident to the relevant authorities.
Reporting the scam on an official platform and talking about it helps slow the spread of these fake contents and protect other potential victims.

To go further, also see: 👉 Understanding fraud and how to respond effectively ; 👉 Essential reflexes to avoid scams ; 👉 Useful resources to spot ongoing scams

In case of doubt, or if you think you may have been targeted, you can also use our free support tool: 👉 Interactive guide for fraud victims

Written by : René Ronse
Methodology : Our alert articles are based on regular monitoring of national reporting platforms, feedback from victims, and statements issued by relevant authorities.
About the author : René Ronse, manager of ArnaqueOuFiable.com. Expert in consumer cybersecurity, specialist in detecting online fraud, product transparency, and digital compliance. He has over 20 years of experience analyzing hidden subscription mechanisms, unreadable terms and conditions, aggressive sales tactics, and deceptive commercial practices on the web.
Sources : interpol.int | consumer.ftc.gov | cnil.fr | sbi.bank.in
Last updated : 18 April 2026.
This article is also available in : Français - Deutsch - Español - Italiano - Nederlands - Português