Is a deepfake video call from a company executive telling employees to transfer funds a scam?
This is an emerging, high-impact scam. Deepfake video calls impersonating executives have been used to authorise large fraudulent bank transfers. Always verify payment requests through a separate, confirmed channel.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Business email compromise (BEC) has evolved into deepfake video compromise. Employees in finance or payments roles receive a video call that appears to show their CEO, CFO, or a trusted external partner instructing an urgent wire transfer or change of banking details. The video may look convincing because it is generated in real time using deepfake tools or is a pre-recorded manipulation of genuine footage. Multiple companies have reported significant financial losses from this fraud. Any financial instruction received by video call — especially if unexpected, high-value, or urgent — should be verified by calling the executive on a known direct number and confirming through your company's standard financial authorisation process.
Common red flags
- Unexpected video call from a senior figure requesting an urgent transfer
- Audio or lip-sync is slightly off
- Call uses a different communication platform than usual
- Request bypasses normal approval processes due to 'urgency' or 'confidentiality'
What to do now
- Do not authorise any transfer during or immediately after such a call
- Call the executive on their known direct number to verify the instruction
- Follow your company's standard payment authorisation procedures regardless of apparent urgency
- Report any suspected deepfake attempt to your IT security team and fraud authorities
Frequently asked questions
Can technical tools detect a deepfake video call in real time?
Detection tools exist but are not yet reliable enough to be your primary defence. Process controls — always verifying payment instructions through a separate channel — are more robust.