- FBI warns that criminals are using GenAI deepfakes in kidnapping and extortion scams
- Attackers generate fake “proof of life” videos from social media images, demanding ransom payments
- Citizens are advised to limit online exposure, set familiar keywords, and check in on loved ones before paying.
Hackers are using Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) to create convincing deepfake videos that are then used as proof of life in kidnapping and extortion scams.
This is according to the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which recently published a new Public Service Announcement (PSA), warning citizens not to fall into the trap.
Here’s how the scam works: Criminals will choose a target and search for images and videos on social media and other sources. If they find enough information, they will feed it into an artificial intelligence tool to create videos and images showing their kidnapped targets’ loved ones. They will then approach the victims and demand an immediate ransom payment to “free” their hostages.
how to defend
The scam may not be as widespread, but it has been around for some time. the guardian reported about it two years ago. Still, with AI improving by the minute, it’s safe to assume these scams are becoming more common, prompting a reaction from the FBI.
The FBI also said these photos and videos are not perfect. With a little pixel hunting, they can be identified as fake. However, criminals also know this, which is why the messages they send are often timed and expire before meaningful analysis can be performed:
“Examples of these inaccuracies include missing tattoos or scars and inaccurate body proportions,” the public service announcement reads. “Criminal actors sometimes intentionally send these photos using timed messaging features to limit the amount of time victims have to analyze the images.”
To defend against these attacks, the FBI first suggests citizens be more aware of their privacy: when posting photos online or when providing personal information to strangers while traveling. They then suggest that they set a keyword that only they know and, most importantly, try to contact their loved ones before making any payments.
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