Free DeepFake Video Software Has Arrived For All Scammers

What is DeepFake?

Deepfake (or DeepFake) refers to the technique of using artificial intelligence (AI) software to create realistic and often convincing manipulated media, such as deepfake images, deepfake videos, or deepfake audio recordings, that depict events or people that never actually occurred or existed. The term “deepfake” is derived from “deep learning,” which is a subfield of AI that involves training neural networks with large amounts of data to perform tasks such as image or speech recognition.

Deepfakes are typically created by training a deep learning model on a large dataset of real images or videos, and then using that model to generate new content by altering or combining elements from the original data. For example, a deepfake video can take the face of one person and superimpose it onto the body of another, creating a realistic-looking video where the person appears to say or do things they never actually did.

The danger of deepfakes lies in their potential to deceive and manipulate people.

Here are some reasons why they are considered dangerous:

• Misinformation and Fake News: Deepfakes can be used to create convincing fake news stories, speeches, or interviews, making it difficult for viewers to discern what is real and what is not. This can lead to the spread of false information and undermine public trust in media and institutions. They can also be used to reinforce scams and fraud.
• Political Manipulation: Deepfakes can be weaponized to manipulate public opinion, particularly during elections or other politically sensitive events. For instance, a deepfake video could be used to make a candidate appear to say or do something inappropriate or controversial, with the intention of damaging their reputation.
• Fraud and Identity Theft: Deepfakes can be used for malicious purposes, such as impersonating someone in order to commit fraud or blackmail. By convincingly replicating someone’s appearance and voice, deepfakes can be employed to deceive individuals or even automated systems that rely on biometric identification.
• Revenge Porn and Harassment: Deepfake technology can be exploited to create non-consensual explicit content by superimposing someone’s face onto explicit images or videos. This can be used for revenge porn or to harass and intimidate individuals. It can also be used for Sextortion or blackmail.
• Erosion of Trust and Credibility: The proliferation of deepfakes can erode trust in visual and auditory evidence, making it more challenging to distinguish between genuine and manipulated media. This can have far-reaching consequences in areas such as journalism, law enforcement, and court proceedings.

Why Are Deepfake Videos So Dangerous To Scam Victims?

Deepfake videos can be particularly dangerous in romance scams or pig butchering scams due to their ability to impersonate real people creating trust between the victim and the criminals.

They can easily be used to manipulate emotions, trust, and create a sense of urgency.

Here’s a more detailed explanation of their dangers in these specific contexts:

• Romance scams: In a romance scam, perpetrators create fake identities or impersonate real people online to establish relationships with unsuspecting victims for financial gain. Deepfake videos can amplify the deception by allowing scammers to create convincing videos to further build trust and emotional connections with their victims. These videos can simulate intimate conversations, declarations of love, or even virtual encounters. The dangers for victims include:
  • Emotional manipulation: Deepfake videos can evoke strong emotions by reducing the barriers that would normally protect victims, intensifying the bond victims feel with their scammers. By simulating affectionate gestures, intimate moments, or romantic interactions, the scammers exploit victims’ emotions, leading them to lower their guard and become more susceptible to manipulation.
  • Trust Falsification: Victims often rely on visual evidence, such as videos, as proof of their scammers’ authenticity. Deepfake videos can reinforce the illusion of a genuine connection, making victims less likely to question the legitimacy of the relationship or the intentions of the criminals.
  • Financial Exploitation: Once a strong emotional connection is established, scammers may exploit victims financially by fabricating urgent financial needs, medical emergencies, or other distressing situations. Victims may feel compelled to provide financial assistance when they see an appeal in video form, believing they are helping someone they deeply care for, despite the warnings of friends or family.
• Pig Butchering Scams: Pig butchering scams typically involve fraudsters offering attractive investment opportunities. They may use deepfake videos to present themselves as successful investors or businesspeople, showcasing their successes, and promising returns on investment. The dangers for victims in this type of scam include all of those in a Romance Scam plus the following:
  • False Credibility and Expertise: Deepfake videos enable scammers to pose as experienced investors, showcasing knowledge, infrastructure, and success in their investments. For example: the criminals can steal the video of a real businessperson and substitute another face. Victims may be persuaded by the apparent expertise and credibility, leading them to invest their money without conducting thorough research or due diligence.
  • The Illusion of Guaranteed Profits: Deepfake videos can portray testimonials and emphasize high returns on investment. Victims may be enticed by the promise of quick and substantial profits from statements fabricated to show how others have succeeded, causing them to overlook potential risks and make impulsive financial decisions.

In essence, deepfake videos can be much more convincing about a false identity or fraudulent investments.

Now Deepfake Is Available To Every Scammer

Any scammer can now go to GitHub (a software development community) and download the software to create deepfake photos or videos any time they want. It is completely free.

Here is an example of one such deepfake generative software available right now: https://github.com/s0md3v/roop

While these applications or software are useful to help legitimate users better understand the technology, or use them in honest marketing or creative work, the potential for abuse is off the chart!

Unfortunately, there is no legal framework that would prohibit these tools. Any more than copy machines can be used to make counterfeit money – we can’t ban them either.

In the end, as it is with most things, the responsibility for avoiding these dangers, and the consequences that come with them, fall on the shoulders of their victims.

SCARS NOTE

For this very reason, SCARS uses the policy of complete transparency. Almost all SCARS videos are unedited – meaning that we present videos as they were recorded to make it clear we do not manipulate them. You can see our SCARS videos on our YouTube channel:  youtube.AgainstScams.org

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