Deepfake frauds are on the rise in Canada, and Ontario police are warning the public about this concerning trend. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre recently issued an alert, highlighting an increase in fraud cases involving deepfake technology. These fraudulent schemes often use deepfake videos to impersonate well-known individuals such as politicians, celebrities, and news anchors.
Deepfake videos are created using artificial intelligence to manipulate audio and video, making it appear as though the trusted individual is endorsing fraudulent investment platforms, merchandise, or applications. The centre emphasized that these videos can be highly convincing, making it challenging for viewers to discern their authenticity.
These deepfake videos are commonly circulated on social media platforms and are sometimes used to perpetrate fraud and spread false information. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre provided tips to help individuals identify fake videos and encouraged anyone who suspects they have been a victim of cybercrime or fraud to report it to their local police and the centre’s online reporting system.
It is crucial to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to combat deepfake fraud effectively. If you encounter a deepfake video or believe you have been targeted by a fraudulent scheme, do not hesitate to seek assistance from the appropriate authorities. Stay informed, stay cautious, and help protect yourself and others from falling victim to deepfake fraud.