Seeing is no longer believing: How to identify fake videos

As scamsters use artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to create manipulated videos, here are a few tips to identify such videos.

A manipulated video of actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. (Video screengrab/ Facebook)

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We are living in a world where ‘seeing is no longer believing’, and the reason for this is a new threat that has emerged: online money scams fueled by fake (deepfake, manipulated, edited) videos. These videos usually feature certain investment schemes promising high returns or fake celebrity endorsements.

Here are two examples of such videos.

The first video shows Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani endorsing the “investment project” of one Sona Aggarwal. Another video shows Isha Foundation founder Sadhguru and actor Aishwarya Rai praising one Suraj Sharma and his “investment project”.

Upon investigation, both videos were found to be fake and manipulated. Public relations officer of Reliance Industries Franko Williams stated that the voice of Mukesh Ambani was manipulated and that he did not endorse any individual or an investment scheme. Even the Facebook page of Isha Foundation clarified that these videos were made by scamsters.

With an increase in the use of artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to create manipulated videos, here are a few tips to follow to identify such videos.

Check the voice

AI-generated voices usually sound similar and electronic. If the video includes ‘celebrities’, compare the voices with their original videos available on social media and video platforms.

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Analyse facial movements

Look closely at the subjects in the video. Manipulated videos often exhibit unnatural facial movements with lip-sync issues. Pay attention to the inconsistencies in facial movements.

Check the source

Always examine the source of these videos. The videos are usually sponsored and appear as advertisements. Do not trust the videos shared on social media by unknown individuals or shared on unfamiliar websites. Always research about the person or the entity being endorsed in such videos.

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Check the content

Always ask yourself — Is the content too good to be true? Schemes promising huge gains by investing a minimum amount are generally fake. These tall claims are not to be trusted.

Google search

Once you come across the video and think about investing in the scheme, do a simple Google search about the person or the scheme endorsed in the video. Sometimes you might find more details about the scam or a copy of a complaint registered against these entities.

Trust your instincts, report

If something about the video doesn’t feel right or raises suspicion, trust your instincts. It is always better to be cautious.

Reporting the suspicious content can help prevent others from falling victim to the scam.

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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