Deepfake Video Call Scams
Live deepfake video used to impersonate executives or loved ones and authorise transfers.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
What this scam is
Deepfake video call scams use real-time AI face/voice swapping to impersonate a known person — an executive, colleague, or family member — on a video call, defeating the 'I saw them on video' check and authorising fraud.
How it works
Victims join a video call where one or more participants are deepfakes of trusted people. In business, staff are directed to make urgent transfers; in personal scams, a 'relative' requests emergency money — all seemingly verified by video.
Common red flags
- Urgent payment instructions given over video
- Subtle video glitches, odd lighting, or unnatural movement
- Reluctance to switch tasks or verify out-of-band
- Secrecy and time pressure
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
(On video, 'CEO') I need you to process this transfer to [account] now — it's confidential, don't discuss it.
Payment methods used
- Bank transfer
- Crypto
Who is usually targeted
- Finance/admin staff
- Executives
- Families
What to do immediately
- Verify any payment request through a separate, known channel
- Use callback procedures and dual authorisation for transfers
- Pause on urgency + secrecy; contact your bank if a payment was made
Evidence to preserve
- Call records and participants
- Instructions given
- Payment details
Where to report it
- Action Fraud (UK) — UK national fraud & cybercrime reporting centre
- FTC ReportFraud (US) — US Federal Trade Commission fraud reports
- FBI IC3 (US) — US Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Scamwatch (Australia) — Australian competition & consumer reporting
- Your bank's fraud line — Use the number on the back of your card or in your banking app — never a number the caller gives you
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Frequently asked questions
If I saw them on video, isn't it safe?
Not anymore. Real-time deepfakes can impersonate people on video. Always verify payment instructions through a separate known channel and use dual-authorisation controls, regardless of video 'proof'.