South Africans Warned: AI Deepfake Scams Are on the Rise: Here’s How to Stay Safe

In today’s digital world, the line between real and fake is getting blurrier—and that’s bad news for South Africans. According to financial services group Old Mutual, the country is facing a massive surge in deepfake scams, with fraudsters using artificial intelligence to craft hyper-realistic videos, audio clips, and images that trick even the sharpest eyes and ears.

“These aren’t science fiction anymore,” warns Dhesen Ramsamy, Chief Technology Officer at Old Mutual. “They’re a real and growing threat that’s hitting everyday people and businesses hard.”

What Are Deepfakes and Why Should You Care?

Deepfakes use artificial intelligence to create fake visuals and sounds that appear completely real. Imagine receiving a video call from your CEO asking for an urgent payment—or a voice note from a loved one in distress. Except none of it is real.

Cybersecurity research by Sumsub shows that South Africa has seen a jaw-dropping 1,200% increase in deepfake-related attacks in just one year. That’s the highest jump worldwide. And in a recent Kaspersky survey, 80% of South Africans admitted they couldn’t always tell what’s fake from what’s real.

The Tricks Fraudsters Use

Criminals are getting creative with their scams. Some of the most common deepfake tactics include:

• Fake celebrity endorsements: Edited videos of famous figures pushing shady investment schemes.

• Impersonation of business leaders: Fake voices or videos used to request money transfers.

• Spreading misinformation: Deepfakes aimed at damaging reputations or creating confusion.

A recent case involved a deepfake video of the late Raymond Ackerman—founder of Pick n Pay—promoting a fraudulent money-doubling scheme. Similar clips have also surfaced featuring Elon Musk, used in social media scams targeting the vulnerable.

Why These Scams Work So Well

“These scams tap into people’s emotions—curiosity, desperation, and the hope for quick money,” Ramsamy explains. In a country facing economic strain, the promise of easy cash is a tempting bait.

What’s Being Done About It?

Old Mutual isn’t fighting this alone. The company is teaming up with other industry players like the Association for Savings and Investment South Africa (ASISA) and the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) to protect consumers and businesses.

But Ramsamy says the real power lies in public awareness. “AI is a double-edged sword. It’s changing our world—but criminals are using it too. We need to educate ourselves and each other.”

Tips to Protect Yourself from Deepfake Scams

Here’s how you can outsmart deepfake scammers:

• Pause and double-check: Don’t act immediately. Verify unusual messages or videos directly with the source.

• Watch for signs: Look for odd facial expressions, robotic voices, or lips that don’t match the words.

• Use free tools: Try websites like TinEye for reverse image searches, Deepware Scanner for videos, or Resemble.ai to check voice authenticity.

• Stay skeptical: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid schemes promising high returns with little risk.

Deepfake scams in South Africa aren’t just a threat to your bank account—they undermine trust in everything from media to personal relationships. Staying alert, questioning what you see, and spreading the word could be your best defense.

{Source: IOL}

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