Fake Videos: The Bizarre Story of Scammers Using AI to Dupe a South Florida Title Company Owner
A Woman’s Suspicious Instincts Save the Day
Lauren Albrecht, a South Florida title company owner, was on a Zoom call to verify the identity of a woman claiming to be the owner of a vacant lot. However, she quickly realized that the video was fake and not real.
The Real Story Behind the Fake Video
The woman in the video was actually Margit Prichard, a woman who was reported missing in Mendocino County, California in 2018. The scammers were trying to dupe the title company using an AI-generated video.
The Technology Behind the Fake Video
Dr. Ernesto Lee, a professor at Miami-Dade College’s Artificial Intelligence Center, explained that the video was created using sophisticated software that could make it difficult to spot the fake. He demonstrated how easy it was to create a basic deep fake video using a readily available AI program.
Spotting Fake Videos
Dr. Lee shared some tips on how to spot deep fakes:
- The eyes in the deep fake are not going to be looking at the camera.
- Look at the lips. The lips oftentimes won’t sync with the audio.
- A lot of times it plays on loops. So, you want to look for the same motions back and forth because it’ll eventually loop.
The Concerns Surrounding AI-Generated Videos
Dr. Lee expressed concerns that the technology could outpace our ability to control it, and that there is a need for a strong policy framework to contain the potential ills of deep fakes.
Conclusion
The story of scammers using AI to dupe a South Florida title company owner is a cautionary tale about the potential risks of deep fakes. While there are ways to spot fake videos, Dr. Lee emphasized the importance of limiting the data we have readily available online and being aware of the potential consequences of sharing personal information.
FAQs
Q: What is a deep fake?
A: A deep fake is a manipulated video or audio recording that uses artificial intelligence to create a realistic simulation of a person or event.
Q: How do I spot a deep fake?
A: Look for inconsistencies in the video or audio, such as lips not syncing with the audio or the eyes not looking directly at the camera.
Q: What are the potential risks of deep fakes?
A: Deep fakes have the potential to be used for malicious purposes, such as spreading misinformation or scams.
Q: What can I do to protect myself from deep fakes?
A: Limit the amount of personal information you share online, and be cautious of suspicious videos or audio recordings.
