Deepfakes are realistic fake photos, videos and audio of real people that often appear online. They trick users into thinking that what they are seeing or hearing is true.
Producing deepfake material to commit crimes such as image-based abuse, frauds or investment scams is against the law.
About deepfakes
Deepfake images, videos and audio are digitally modified using AI technology.
They can be very convincing, making it hard to tell whether what you are seeing it's real or not.
How and why deepfakes are used
Deepfakes spread harmful information and are often used as a tool in frauds, investment scams and image-based abuse.
Deepfake materials can also be used to:
- influence public opinion
- damage trust in institutions, and
- disrupt democratic processes.
Deepfakes and image-based abuse
The use of deepfakes has been increasing rapidly in recent years, especially in image-based abuse.
A vast majority of deepfake material is used in pornographic videos and images featuring women and girls.
To find out more about image-based abuse and what to do if you have been affected, visit Image based sexual offences.(opens in a new window)
Scams using deepfakes
Social media often features deepfake 'clickbait' ads of celebrities endorsing fake services. They can be used to promote online investment platforms, fake news or products.
Deepfake investment scams
Deepfake investment scams offer big profits from online trading platforms often using names like:
- Quantum AI
- Immediate Edge
- Immediate Connect
- Immediate X3
- Quantum Trade Wave
To find out more about different online scams, visit Investment scams (opens in a new window)and Online shopping scams.(opens in a new window)
How to recognise a deepfake
Knowing how to recognise a deepfake video is the best way to keep yourself safe from being scammed.
If a video gives you a feeling of unease or a sense that something looks not quite right, trust your instincts. Pay attention to the following:
Report deepfake image-based abuse or scams
If you think you've been affected by a deepfake image-abuse or scam, you should report it.
If there is an immediate threat to life or risk of harm, always call Triple Zero (000) first.
You can also make a non-urgent report at:
- your local police station(opens in a new window)
- ReportCyber(opens in a new window), who will forward your report to Victoria Police
- eSafety Commissioner(opens in a new window) to report online abuse, bullying, harassment or image-based abuse regardless of your age
- Crime Stoppers Victoria(opens in a new window)
For more details on reporting scams and image-based abuse, visit Report cybercrime, scams, fraud and online abuse.(opens in a new window)
Deepfake scams and image-based abuse support and resources
You can find out more information on how to keep you and your family safe online at the below support services.
- Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC)(opens in a new window)
The Australian Government's lead agency for cyber security. They offer information, advice and reporting tools for different cybercrimes, fraud and scam. - IDCARE(opens in a new window)
Help and advice on scams that involve stealing your identity. This free Australian and New Zealand service can help you limit the damage and recover from the scam. Call 1800 595 160(opens in a new window). - eSafety(opens in a new window)
Educating Australians about online safety risks and offering help and advice to remove harmful content such as cyberbullying of children, adult cyber abuse and intimate images or videos shared without consent.
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