Real-time deepfake technology used in fraud schemes
Real-time deepfake technology that can alter facial features, skin color, and voice during live video calls is reportedly being used in fraud schemes. Incidents have surged rapidly, with over 179 cases recorded in the first quarter of 2025 alone, and AI-based fraud is projected to rise to 60-70% of all fraud cases within four years.
What happened
Real-time deepfake technology is being used in fraud schemes that can change facial appearance, skin color, and voice during live video calls. According to Italian cybersecurity expert Marco Ramilli, these morphing operations represent sophisticated social engineering attacks more effective than traditional message-based fraud and can defeat verification systems.
Reported impact
Deepfake incidents have grown exponentially: 22 incidents were registered from 2017 to 2022, rising to 42 in 2023 and 150 in 2024 (a 257% increase). In the first quarter of 2025 alone, 179 incidents were recorded, exceeding the entire 2024 total by 19%. According to Ramilli, AI-related fraud represented 5% of fraud cases in 2025 compared to 0.3% in 2024, with projections that AI will account for 60-70% of fraud within four years.
Index analysis
Ramilli noted that the public is exposed to many multimedia stimuli and lacks tools to detect manipulated images and videos, risking loss of trust in digital communications.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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