Learn how to avoid deepfake videos and stay safe

Technological advancements in the digital age have made our lives easier. Online banking, digital payments, and investing from home have now become possible. But with this technological advancement, cases of online financial fraud have also increased rapidly. Especially due to technologies like deepfake videos, new ways of cheating bank customers are emerging. Keeping this concern in mind, State Bank of India (SBI) has recently issued a warning against fake investment schemes and deepfake videos.

SBI warning: Beware of deepfake videos

State Bank of India has issued a public notice on its official X (formerly Twitter) account. The bank has warned customers that fake investment schemes are being promoted through some deepfake videos.

Clear statement from SBI:

• Fake investment schemes: The bank has said that it is not offering any investment scheme giving high returns.
• Deepfake video: In such videos, fake statements of the top management of the bank are being shown, which are completely false.
• Be careful: Customers should not trust any scheme that claims to offer exorbitant benefits.

What are deepfake videos?

Deepfake videos are created using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced technology. In these videos, a person’s face and voice are morphed with such precision that they appear real.

How to identify deepfake videos?

1. Facial expressions:
   • If the facial expressions in the video seem a bit unusual or there is a delay in changing expressions, then it could be a deepfake.
2. Disparity in voice:
   • Be alert if there is any change or inconsistency in the voice.
3. Lip Sync:
   • If there is no coordination between the person’s lip movements and voice, it could be a deepfake video.
4. Improper Light and Shadow:
   • The video may be distorted if the light or shadow patterns on the face are unusual.
5. Video Quality:
   • The quality of deepfake videos is sometimes low, with pixel tearing or blurring.

Tips to avoid fake investment schemes

1. Visit the official website of the bank:
   • For information about any investment scheme, contact the bank’s official website or customer care directly.
2. Be wary of excessive benefit claims:
   • If any investment scheme is claiming very high profits, then definitely check it.
3. Check authenticity of social media:
   • Verify the authenticity of any information shared on social media.
4. Avoid phishing links:
   • Do not click on unknown or suspicious links.
5. report a:
   • Report any fraudulent or suspicious activity immediately to the bank or cyber crime helpline.