In a recent investigation by WIRED, the ways in which scammers have adapted to using deepfake video calls have been revealed. The use of deepfake technology and artificial intelligence by these cybercriminals has become more sophisticated, allowing them to deceive their victims in new and innovative ways.
The scammers, known as Yahoo Boys, have been identified using deepfake video calls in their elaborate schemes. These videos showcase the scammers utilizing both laptops and phones to carry out their cons. Surprisingly, in some instances, the scammers are even bold enough to show their own faces, as well as the faces of the individuals they are attempting to scam.
It is evident that these Yahoo Boys are not amateurs but rather experienced and cunning individuals. They boast about their fraudulent activities openly on social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok. However, it is on Telegram where they are most active and brazen. In Telegram groups with thousands of members, these scammers collaborate, advertise their skills, and plan a variety of scams. They are adept at social manipulation and can leave a lasting impact on their victims.
The Yahoo Boys offer a range of illicit services, including business email compromise, crypto scams, and impersonation scams. They sell photo and video editing skills, explicit photographs, fake IDs, and even scam “scripts” for free. Despite lacking a centralized leadership structure, these scam artists organize in clusters and share tips and tricks online. The deepfake technology is just one of the tools they employ to further their fraudulent schemes.
Since around May 2022, the Yahoo Boys have incorporated deepfakes into their romance scams. Initially, they would send altered videos of themselves to victims to entice interaction. However, they have since progressed to using more advanced software and applications to create convincing deepfake video calls. The precise details of the software are not disclosed in order to prevent others from replicating these malicious tactics.
The live deepfake calls orchestrated by the scammers involve a setup of two phones and a face-swapping app. One phone is used to call the victim, while the other records the scammer’s face using a face-swapping application. By strategically placing the phones on stands and utilizing ring lights, the scammers ensure a seamless and convincing real-time face swap during the call.
The use of deepfake video calls by scammers represents a dangerous evolution in online deception. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and skeptical of any suspicious online interactions. The deceptive tactics employed by the Yahoo Boys serve as a stark reminder of the need for increased cybersecurity measures and awareness in today’s digital age.