Video calling has become an incredibly common way for people to communicate in both their personal and professional lives. Services like Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, and others allow us to see and speak with friends, family, coworkers, clients, and more via video chat. While video calling offers many benefits in terms of allowing more personal and engaging conversations, it also opens up new opportunities for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting users. Scammers are finding ways to manipulate video calls to falsely present themselves as someone else in order to trick their victims. Let’s explore how scammers are able to fake video calls and some tips to avoid falling victim to these high-tech scams.
How Scammers Fake Video Calls
Scammers have a few different techniques they use to fake video calls:
Using prerecorded video
One way scammers can fake a live video call is to simply play a prerecorded video of someone during the call. They might take a video of someone else or even use existing footage and pretend it’s a live feed by playing the video during a call. This can be convincing if the scammer is strategic about which footage they use and how they present it. For example, they may briefly show footage where the person moves around or makes small talk to mimic a real video conversation.
Video manipulation software
More advanced scammers might use video editing and manipulation software to alter real-time or prerecorded video. There are programs that allow scammers to use existing imagery and video and alter it in real-time to simulate a live call. For example, they could take a profile picture of someone from social media and make it appear as though that person is talking and moving using this software. This makes the call appear authentic and real.
Using someone else’s device and account
Scammers may also gain access to someone else’s device and video calling accounts to fake calls. If they can get control of your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or video calling app credentials, they can then use your actual device and account to make calls posing as you. This allows them to use your identity more believably. Tactics like phishing attempts, device hacking, and stealing login information may be used to take over someone’s accounts.
Manipulating caller ID
Caller ID spoofing is a tactic where scammers manipulate the caller ID that is displayed to the recipient to disguise their real number. They can make it look like the call is coming from a legitimate contact, company, or organization when in reality the call is coming from the scammer. Spoofing caller ID makes the call and caller seem authentic on the receiving end.
Red Flags of a Fake Video Call
While scammers are finding more sophisticated ways to spoof video calls, there are still often signs that a video call may be fake:
- The video quality is poor or laggy
- The caller seems impersonal or robotic during your conversation
- The caller ID seems suspicious or doesn’t match previous correspondence
- You’re asked to provide personal information or payments
- The caller is pushy or creates a false sense of urgency
Trust your instincts – if a video call seems strange or suspicious, proceed with caution. Don’t offer any sensitive information and verify the caller’s identity through other channels if you’re unsure.
Tips to Avoid Video Call Scams
Here are some tips to protect yourself from scammers spoofing video calls:
- Be wary of incoming calls from unknown or suspicious numbers – let them go to voicemail first
- Never provide sensitive info like passwords or financial details during a call
- Use two-factor authentication on your video calling apps and devices
- Avoid clicking on links or downloading files sent via video call messages/chats
- Review permissions on your video apps and limit access if you’re suspicious
- Hang up immediately if a call seems suspicious and block the number
Scammers are always looking for new ways to leverage technology to their benefit. Stay vigilant when receiving video calls from new or unverified callers and don’t hesitate to end a call if you suspect foul play. With caution and common sense, you can help protect yourself from video call scams.
Conclusion
Video calling brings convenience but also opens up new avenues for scammers to manipulate identities and trick victims. Be on the lookout for tactics like prerecorded footage, video manipulation software, stolen accounts, and caller ID spoofing. Telltale signs like poor video quality, impersonal behavior, suspicious caller ID, or odd requests should raise red flags. Protect yourself by being selective with what information you share over video calls, using two-factor authentication, reviewing app permissions, and hanging up on suspicious callers. With vigilance and healthy skepticism, you can enjoy the benefits of video calling while avoiding the risks of scams.