INTERPOL has launched a public awareness campaign warning that cybercriminals are using artificial intelligence to imitate the faces and voices of trusted individuals, making financial fraud and identity impersonation increasingly difficult to detect.
How Are Criminals Using AI Deepfakes?
INTERPOL warned that generative AI tools can now produce convincing synthetic videos, images and voices without requiring advanced technical skills or significant financial investment. Criminals can reproduce a person’s appearance or voice using relatively small amounts of publicly available online content.
These capabilities allow fraudsters to impersonate colleagues, family members, romantic partners and other trusted individuals. The technology is being used in investment scams, romance fraud, sextortion, impersonation, deepfake pornography and disinformation campaigns.
The organisation said public understanding of how deepfakes can facilitate criminal activity remains limited, increasing the risk of deception.
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Why Are Deepfake Scams Becoming Harder to Detect?
Toshinobu Yasuhira, Director of the INTERPOL Innovation Centre, warned that artificial intelligence is removing many of the traditional warning signs associated with online fraud.
Previously, suspicious spelling, inconsistent branding or poorly formatted messages could help identify fraudulent communications. However, AI-generated content can now appear convincing enough to make these indicators less reliable.
Fraudsters may use a fabricated video call from a colleague requesting a bank transfer or imitate a distressed family member seeking urgent financial assistance. Others may create convincing online identities to establish fraudulent romantic relationships.
The objective is often to obtain sensitive personal information or money.
What Warning Signs Should People Recognise?
INTERPOL identified unsolicited contact, unusual urgency and emotional manipulation as important warning signs. Fraudsters may approach victims while pretending to represent a trusted organisation or someone they know, then pressure them to disclose banking details or transfer money.
Requests involving wire transfers, cryptocurrency or gift cards should also be treated cautiously, particularly when the recipient cannot be independently verified.
The organisation warned that online relationships developing unusually quickly, especially when accompanied by declarations of love or attempts to move conversations away from established platforms, may indicate fraudulent activity.
How Can People Protect Themselves?
INTERPOL has advised people to independently verify suspicious requests, even when a caller appears or sounds familiar. Individuals should contact the supposed sender through a previously known telephone number or another trusted communication channel.
The organisation also recommends establishing a private verification phrase or question with close family members and friends to help confirm identities during suspicious calls.
Users should enable two-factor authentication on online accounts and avoid making financial decisions under pressure.
Anyone who suspects they have been targeted should contact local law enforcement authorities. Those who have already transferred money should also notify their bank immediately.
What Should Businesses Do About Deepfake Fraud?
INTERPOL has urged organisations to strengthen their procedures for verifying financial transactions and sensitive data transfers.
Businesses should train employees to recognise deepfake impersonation, voice phishing and other social engineering techniques. The organisation recommends multiple verification steps for important transactions, including face-to-face confirmation for large payments.
Regular software updates are also recommended to protect systems against malware and spyware. These precautions are particularly relevant when criminals impersonate senior executives or colleagues to obtain access to company funds or confidential information.
What Is INTERPOL’s New Awareness Campaign?
The campaign uses videos illustrating how criminals can impersonate a boss, reproduce a woman’s voice or create a deceptive romantic identity.
Its central message is “Wait. Validate. Don’t take the bait.” The initiative encourages people to question unexpected requests and independently confirm identities before sharing information or transferring money.
The campaign forms part of Project SynthWave PLUS, which supports law enforcement efforts to address threats involving synthetic media technology.
The project receives financial support from the Government of Japan and includes research, awareness programmes and specialised learning opportunities for law enforcement agencies, particularly in Southeast Asia and beyond.
The420 Insight: Seeing and Hearing Are No Longer Enough
INTERPOL’s warning highlights a growing challenge for digital trust. A familiar face on a video call or a recognisable voice requesting money can no longer be treated as reliable proof of identity. As AI-generated impersonation becomes more convincing, independent verification is increasingly important. Families and businesses should establish trusted methods of confirming unusual requests, particularly those involving urgent payments or confidential information.
About the author — Ayesha Aayat writes on cybercrime, digital safety, and emerging online threats. Her work focuses on public awareness, legal clarity, and technology-driven risks.
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