In yesterday’s issue, I focused on email and text scams--those fake messages that look
official and try to rush you into clicking or responding.
Today, I want to talk about something that feels even more unsettling:
Deepfake scams and fake content are
everywhere on social media right now. And I truly mean everywhere.
If you spend any time on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok, you’ve probably seen at least a few of these without realizing it.
They look real.
They sound real.
They feel real.
But they aren’t.
What Is a “Deepfake,” Anyway?
A deepfake is a video, image, or voice recording created using artificial intelligence to look and sound like a real person,
even when that person never said or did those things. Scammers use this technology to:
Copy someone’s face
Clone someone’s voice
Create fake “news” clips
Produce believable photos
Invent entire stories
And they are getting better at it every month.
The Fake Celebrity and Crypto Videos
One of the most common scams right now involves well-known people promoting cryptocurrency or “guaranteed” investments. You might see a video that looks like:
A famous entrepreneur
A TV personality
A news anchor
A well-known actor
They appear to be saying:
“I made millions doing this.”
“This is safe.”
“I want to share this secret with you.”
But they never said it.
Their face and voice were digitally copied.
Once you click, you’re led to a fake investment site where your money disappears.
Rule of thumb: No legitimate celebrity is offering you personal investment advice on social media.
Impersonation Scams: “It Looks Like Someone You Know”
Another growing problem is impersonation. Scammers steal photos and videos from real people and create fake accounts. Then they message friends and family pretending to be that person.
You might get something like:
“Hey, I lost
my phone. This is my new account.”
“I’m in trouble and need help.”
“Can you send me money?”
Sometimes they even use AI to mimic the person’s voice in a voicemail. Before responding:
Call or text the person using the number you already have saved.
Don’t reply through the message itself.
Romance Scams: When Feelings Are the Hook
These are especially heartbreaking.
Someone meets a “nice person” online. They message daily. They share stories. They build trust. Sometimes they even video chat...with deepfake filters helping hide the truth.
Over time, the scammer
creates a reason why they need money:
A medical emergency
A business opportunity
Travel problems
An investment “for your future together”
The relationship feels
real.
The person is not.
If someone you’ve never met in person asks for money, gift cards, or crypto, it’s a scam.
Fake Investment Groups and “Easy Money” Stories
You may see posts that say:
“I turned $500 into $50,000 in two
weeks!”
“My friend showed me this secret system.”
“Join our private group.”
They often include screenshots, charts, and “testimonials.”
All fake.
These groups are designed to make you
feel like you’re missing out, so you act before thinking.
Real investing does not come with guarantees.
Clickbait and Fake “Breaking News”
Have you noticed
how often social media announces that someone “just died” when they didn’t? Or shows shocking stories that turn out to be completely false?
Scammers use fake headlines and AI-generated photos to get clicks. Once you click, you’re sent to sites filled with ads, malware, or scams.
Some even use images of actors who died decades ago, or living celebrities, claiming they passed away “today.” It’s designed to trigger emotion first. Verification comes later...if at all.
And let’s be honest, these days, many
of us feel there are very few news sources we completely trust.
That’s why, before believing or sharing something dramatic, it can help to check a reputable fact-checking site like Snopes. They specialize in verifying viral stories, rumors, and social media claims. It’s not about politics. It’s about facts.
Taking one extra minute to check can prevent you from spreading something completely false.
Photos and Videos That Aren’t Real
This is one of the hardest parts. Today, AI can
create:
Perfect-looking people who don’t exist
“Vacation” photos that never happened
Disaster images that are fake
Product photos that aren’t real
If something looks too dramatic,
too perfect, or too shocking, pause. Do a quick search before sharing.
Why This Is So Hard to Stop
Many of these scams come from overseas. They use fake profiles, encrypted apps, and digital currencies that are hard to trace. They can
create hundreds of new accounts in minutes.
When one gets shut down, ten more appear. That’s why agencies like the Federal Trade Commission emphasize personal awareness as the first line of defense.
We can’t rely on platforms to catch everything. We have to be smart users.
Here’s what I do:
I assume anything financial is
suspicious.
I verify “breaking news” before believing it.
I don’t trust videos just because they look real.
I’m careful about who I interact with.
I never send money based on online messages.
I’m slower to share emotional posts.
Not cynical. Just thoughtful.
A Few Simple Reality Checks
Before believing or sharing something, ask:
Who posted this?
Where did it come
from?
Can I verify it outside of social media?
Has it been fact-checked?
Is someone trying to get money, clicks, or attention?
Am I being rushed emotionally?
If the answer feels
uncomfortable, step back.
We used to say, “Seeing is believing.” That’s no longer true. Today, seeing means verifying. Deepfake scams, fake stories, and digital impersonation are part of modern life now. That’s unfortunate, but it doesn’t mean we’re powerless.
It means we stay curious. We stay cautious. We stay informed. And we look out for each other, by sharing what we learn. Because the more we talk about this, the harder it becomes for scammers to succeed.
Stay alert. Stay grounded. And trust your instincts.
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