Short answer
It might be. Scammers can now put a real person's face and voice on a short video call, usually using photos and clips taken from social media. If the call is short, the picture is blurry or freezes, and the person quickly asks for money, treat it as fake until you have checked.
The safest check is simple. Hang up, then call your relative back on the number you already have saved for them. A real relative will understand. A scammer will push you to stay on the line.
What to do during and after the call
- Do not send money or codes while you are still on the call, however upset the person seems.
- Say you will call back, then end the call.
- Call your relative on the number saved in your phone, or call someone who lives with them.
- If you can't reach them, ask a question only the real person would know, or use your family password.
- Take screenshots of the account, the messages and any bank details they sent.
- Report the account on the app, and warn other family members it may contact them too.
Signs the call may be fake
- The call lasts only a few seconds, or the person says the signal is bad and switches to text.
- The face looks too smooth, the edges of the hair or glasses shimmer, or the mouth does not match the words.
- They call from a new account or a number you don't have saved.
- They ask for a transfer to someone else's bank account, often a stranger's name.
- They ask you to keep it secret from the rest of the family.
Why this works on careful people
Seeing a familiar face switches off our usual doubts. The scammer adds pressure: an accident, a debt, a problem at the hospital. Under stress, few people stop to look at the edges of a video. The trick depends on you acting fast, so slowing down is your best defence.
Scammers often take over a real account first, then message everyone on its friend list. That is why the name and profile picture can look right.
Set up a family password today
Agree on a word or short phrase with your parents, children and close relatives. Keep it offline and never post it. If anyone ever asks for money in an emergency, ask for the password. A deepfake cannot guess it.
Common questions
Can a deepfake really talk to me live?
Yes, simple live face swaps exist. They usually look worse when the person turns their head, moves a hand in front of their face or the light changes, so asking them to do that can help. Calling back on a saved number is still the most reliable check.
The account belongs to my real cousin. Is it safe?
Not necessarily. Accounts are often hacked and then used to message friends and family. Check by calling your cousin on their usual number.
I already sent money. What now?
Call your bank straight away on the hotline printed on the back of your card and ask them to freeze the transfer. Then report it to the police on 113 or at your local police station, and keep all the evidence.
Reviewed October 2026