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Scams today are becoming more sophisticated than ever, with fraudsters tapping into advanced technologies like deep learning and generative artificial intelligence (AI) to create more convincing tricks. Among the most alarming tools they now use are deepfake videos, which are hyper-realistic but fake audio or video content generated by AI that they use for nefarious purposes. These videos can mimic a person’s face, voice, and expressions with unsettling accuracy, making it increasingly difficult to tell what’s real from what’s not. While deepfakes are sometimes used for entertainment or satire, they’ve also become a dangerous tool in various types of scams.
In particular, deepfake technology is now being used to facilitate credit card fraud in ways that are harder to detect. With the added layer of realism that deepfakes provide, these scams can be highly convincing and damaging. If you fall victim to one, even the safest credit card can be compromised, as you may end up willingly handing over your details to the scammer. That’s why staying informed and alert is more important than ever. Let’s take a look at how deepfake videos are being used in scams and what you can do to keep your credit card safe.
1. Impersonating a Bank Representative
One of the most common deepfake scams involves fraudsters pretending to be bank representatives. You might receive a video message or be asked to join a call where someone who looks and sounds like a real employee claims there’s unusual activity on your account. To “secure” it, they may ask you to verify your credit card details, such as your card number and expiration date, or request a one-time password (OTP) sent to your phone.
Because the video seems so real, it’s easy to believe the request is legitimate. In reality, scammers use deepfake technology to convincingly mimic actual bank staff and trick you into giving up your details. To protect yourself, never share sensitive information through unsolicited calls or messages.
You can also reduce your risk of fraud by choosing a card with robust security features. For instance, Maya's Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card uses a dynamic CVV that changes each time your card details are accessed through the Maya app. Each code is valid for only 24 hours, making it much harder for deepfake scammers to reuse any stolen details and helping maintain secure online credit card transactions overall.
2. Launching Fraudulent Investment Opportunities
Fraudsters have also exploited deepfake technology to create convincing videos of well-known investors or tycoons endorsing fake investment opportunities. One recent example involved deepfake videos of billionaire Ramon Ang supposedly promoting high-profit investment schemes that were circulating online. If you don’t verify the information in these videos, you could end up entering your credit card details on these fraudulent investment platforms without realizing you’re giving away your details to scammers.
To protect yourself, always check if investment offers are indeed registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and be cautious of high-pressure tactics or promises of guaranteed profits. Be especially wary of offers that ask for your financial details outright. It also helps to have tools that give you control over your card’s security. For example, credit cards from Maya let you conveniently freeze or block your card through the Maya app, making it easier to respond quickly if you believe your card has been compromised.
3. Imitating a Family Member or Friend Asking for Help
Some scammers prey on emotions. You might receive a message or video call from someone who looks and sounds like a loved one, claiming they’re in trouble and urgently need your help. They may ask you to cover a payment on their behalf or send your card details for a quick fix.
Because the deepfake mimics someone you trust, it’s easy to act without thinking. Scammers often use publicly available photos and videos to create these convincing fakes. That’s why it’s important to pause and verify such requests through a direct call or message first before taking action. Even if you’re using the most secure credit card, staying vigilant is still your first line of defense.
4. Bypassing Video-Based Identity Verification
With more services now using video-based ID checks, scammers have begun turning to deepfakes to get around them. Using stolen information, they create deepfake videos that might show someone (a person whose identity they have stolen) reading a verification script while holding an ID card, just like a real user would. These convincing forgeries are especially designed to fool automated human reviewers into approving fraudulent applications or transactions.
In the context of online selling, for example, a seller might ask a buyer to send a quick video showing themselves with an ID card to confirm their identity. What they don’t realize is that the person on the other end could be using AI to pretend to be someone else entirely, whether a real person or a completely fabricated identity. The video could look authentic enough to pass the manual verification, letting the scammer place orders, claim limited-stock items, or take advantage of special deals, all while the seller has no way of knowing the buyer isn’t who they appear to be.
To stay protected, be careful about sharing personal information, especially photos or IDs that could be used to create deepfakes. If you’re a customer transacting with a business or organization, always verify the legitimacy of platforms requesting video-based ID checks, and choose services with strong security measures like multi-factor authentication and tech-based “liveness” checks instead of manual ones. If you’re a merchant, carefully review verification requests and look out for inconsistencies in submitted videos. As a quick check, ask the person to move their hand across their face and to do it in a specific way. Deepfake videos often fail this test, causing visual glitches or unnatural distortions that can help reveal fraudulent submissions. A few extra precautions can go a long way in keeping your identity safe.
5. Creating Fake Identities for Love Scams
Romance scams are not new, but artificial intelligence has made them far more convincing. Fraudsters now use AI chatbots, voice cloning, and even deepfake videos to create the illusion of a real, caring partner. Instead of just relying on text messages and stolen photos, scammers can maintain video calls with a synthetic face and voice, making the relationship feel authentic.
Once trust is established, they may start asking for financial help, whether for emergency expenses, travel arrangements, or “investment opportunities.” Victims often feel emotionally invested and are more likely to share sensitive details, including credit card numbers, or to make payments on the scammer’s behalf.
In the Philippines, where digital banking and mobile wallets are widespread, these scams can escalate quickly into unauthorized transactions. Even if you’re using the safest credit card, the human factor becomes the weak link.
The best way to protect yourself is by approaching online relationships with caution, especially if they seem to move unusually fast. Always take steps to verify someone’s identity through trusted channels rather than relying solely on video calls, since deepfakes can make even a live interaction look convincing. Avoid sharing your credit card details or making payments on behalf of someone you have never met in person. It also helps to choose a card that offers strong security controls so you have an added safeguard in case a scammer ever gains access to your information.
6. Initiating Fake Promos or Contests
In this type of scam, deepfake videos often feature celebrities or influencers who appear to promote giveaways, newfangled products, or limited-time offers. The message may sound exciting and urgent, encouraging you to “register” with your credit card details for a small fee or verification step before the promo disappears. Because the video shows a familiar face and sounds convincing, many people let their guard down, unaware that it’s been fabricated to steal personal and financial information.
To avoid falling for these traps, always verify promos through official websites or social media pages. If you’re using a card like the Maya Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card, you can add an extra layer of protection by disabling online purchases and foreign transactions or setting spending limits via the Maya app. These features help reduce the risk of unauthorized charges if your details end up in the wrong hands.
As deepfake technology becomes more widespread, scammers are finding more sophisticated ways to deceive people. Staying informed of their evolving tactics is key to protecting your personal and financial information. With the right habits and tools, such as a credit card with strong security features, you can shop and transact with greater peace of mind.
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