Detecting fakes: Identifying fraudulent video calls

Fake video calls are not common, but with the technological advancements, they are becoming prevalent.

If you are suspicious, record these calls if possible and try to run them through voice analysis tools. (Representative/ Pixabay)

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Digital deception is becoming very sophisticated and the line between facts and fiction is growing thinner than ever before. Our lives are now more virtually connected, making it very normal for friends and family members to have a chat on video calls. But what if these video calls are nothing but frauds?

In July, a Kerala man was cheated of Rs 40,000. The victim, Radhakrishnan, received a video call from an unknown number. Upon picking up the call, he found that the image of the person on the call resembled one of his former colleagues. A few minutes into the call, the caller asked for money for a medical emergency. It was only after he transferred the amount that Radhakrishnan realised that he had fallen prey to an AI scam.

Facts About Fiction | Seeing is no longer believing: How to identify fake videos

A similar incident occurred in China where a deepfake scam led the victim to believe he was sending 4.3 million Yuan (over Rs 5 crore) to his friend. But when his friend told him that he was unaware of any such transfer, the man reported the scam to the authorities.

Fake video calls are not common, but with the technological advancements, they are becoming prevalent. It is very easy to make deepfake videos online through certain free applications. The only thing scamsters need is access to a persons’ picture and voice, which is easy to obtain through a person’s social media profile.

Here are a few tips to safeguard yourself against the perils of fake video calls.

Be wary of calls from unknown numbers

It is always better to investigate calls from unknown numbers. If the number is not saved in your contact list or you do not recognise the caller, it is better to proceed with caution.

Video quality

Observe the quality of the video. In case of fake video calls, the quality is generally poor and the background could be blurred.

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Check for unnatural speech pattern

AI-generated voices usually lack natural cadence and may sound robotic. Pay attention to odd pauses or abrupt speech transitions.

Check for background voices

AI-generated voices usually have no noise in the background, since these are made in controlled, noise-free environments. If there is pin-drop silence in the background, this could be a sign of being an AI generated video call.

Verify identity

Verify the caller’s identity by asking a few open-ended questions. Keep the conversation going for a few minutes and check if your answers match theirs. If possible, try to call back the same person using the contact details that you have, see if they are aware of the recent video call.

Record and analyse

If you are suspicious, record these calls if possible and try to run them through voice analysis tools. There are a few AI-voice detectors available online.

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Be cautious

If a familiar face is asking for money citing an emergency, take a minute, tell them you will respond in a while and then cross-check the identity of the person.

In case you fall victim to the scam, report it to the nearest police station so that others do not fall prey to such scams.

Ankita Deshkar

Ankita Deshkar is a Deputy Copy Editor and a dedicated fact-checker at The Indian Express. Based in Maharashtra, she specializes in bridging the gap between technical complexity and public understanding. With a deep focus on Cyber Law, Information Technology, and Public Safety, she leads "The Safe Side" series, where she deconstructs emerging digital threats and financial scams. Ankita is also a certified trainer for the Google News Initiative (GNI) India Training Network, specializing in online verification and the fight against misinformation. She is also an AI trainer with ADiRA (AI for Digital Readiness and Advancement) Professional Background & Expertise Role: Fact-checker & Deputy Copy Editor, The Indian Express Experience: Started working in 2016 Ankita brings a unique multidisciplinary background to her journalism, combining engineering logic with mass communication expertise. Her work often intersects regional governance, wildlife conservation, and digital rights, making her a leading voice on issues affecting Central India, particularly the Vidarbha region. Key focus areas include: Fact-Checking & Verification: As a GNI-certified trainer, she conducts workshops on debunking deepfakes, verifying viral claims, and using OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) tools. Cyber Law & IT: With postgraduate specialization in Cyber Law, she decodes the legalities of data privacy, digital fraud, and the evolving landscape of intellectual property rights. Public Safety & Health: Through her "The Safe Side" column, she provides actionable intelligence on avoiding "juice jacking," "e-SIM scams," and digital extortion. Regional Reporting: She provides on-ground coverage of high-stakes issues in Maharashtra, from Maoist surrenders in Gadchiroli to critical healthcare updates and wildlife-human conflict in Nagpur. Education & Credentials Ankita is currently pursuing her PhD in Mass Communication and Journalism, focusing on the non-verbal communication through Indian classical dance forms. Her academic foundation includes: MA in Mass Communication (RTM Nagpur University) Bachelors in Electrical Engineering (RTM Nagpur University) Post Graduate Diploma (PGTD) in Cyber Law and Information Technology Specialization in Intellectual Property Rights Recent Notable Coverage Ankita’s reportage is recognized for its investigative depth and emphasis on accountability: Cyber Security: "Lost money to a scam? Act within the 'golden hour' or risk losing it all" — A deep dive into the critical window for freezing fraudulent transactions. Public Health: "From deep coma to recovery: First fully recovered Coldrif patient discharged" — Investigating the aftermath of pharmaceutical toxins and the healthcare response. Governance & Conflict: "Gadchiroli now looks like any normal city: SP Neelotpal" — An analysis of the socio-political shift in Maoist-affected regions. Signature Beat Ankita is best known for her ability to translate "technical jargon into human stories." Whether she is explaining how AI tools like MahaCrimeOS assist the police or exposing the dire conditions of wildlife transit centres, her writing serves as a bridge between specialized knowledge and everyday safety. Contact & Follow X (Twitter): @ankita_deshkar Email: ankita.deshkar@indianexpress.com ... Read More

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