Deepfake technology uses artificial intelligence to create highly realistic videos, images, and audio that can be difficult to distinguish from real content. This technology is now being used in increasingly sophisticated scams, according to a recent report. Scammers are employing deepfakes to impersonate trusted individuals, fabricate urgent online alerts, enhance phishing attempts, and even create fake videos of people being kidnapped. These tactics are designed to trigger emotions like fear, urgency, or trust, leading victims to share personal information or send money. To spot these scams, experts suggest verifying the identity of the person asking for action through an independent method. For example, if a coworker asks for a bank transfer via email, it’s wise to confirm the request through a different communication channel, such as a phone call or messaging app. Another effective method is to ask a prearranged personal question, such as a secret phrase or a detail not easily found online, like the name of a pet or a childhood school. This helps confirm the person's identity before sharing sensitive information. AI-generated or edited images and videos may still show signs of being fake. Checking for oddities in the background, hands, fingers, jewelry, image clarity, or sudden shifts in facial expressions can help identify inconsistencies. These clues often reveal that the content has been manipulated or artificially created. To help users protect themselves, Bitdefender has introduced AI-powered tools in its Bitdefender Premium Security suite. Features like Scam Protection Pro include email, SMS, and messaging security, as well as protection against fraudulent notifications and online fraud. The Bitdefender Scamio Pro AI chatbot allows users to analyze suspicious content, while Scam Radar alerts users to regional threats and common scam tactics. Additional tools include call blocking, link verification, data breach detection, and an unlimited virtual private network (VPN) to improve online privacy and security.