High riskAI & Deepfake

Deepfake CEO Video Call Scam

In this scam, fraudsters use deepfake video or audio of a company executive on a call to authorise an urgent, confidential payment or transfer, bypassing an employee's normal checks.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Deepfake business email compromise
Main red flag
An executive on a video call urgently authorising a secret payment that skips normal checks.
What to do first
Verify through your normal approval process and a known channel before paying.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, fraudsters use deepfake video or audio of a company executive on a call to authorise an urgent, confidential payment or transfer, bypassing an employee's normal checks.

AI and deepfake scams use cloned voices, fabricated videos, and imitation AI apps to impersonate people and brands convincingly. They power investment fraud, "family emergency" calls, and fake endorsements, making long-running scams far more believable.

The single clearest warning sign to remember is this: An executive on a video call urgently authorising a secret payment that skips normal checks. Verify through your normal approval process and a known channel before paying.

Not sure this matches what you received? Compare it with the CEO Fraud Scam or the Voice Cloning Emergency Scam, browse the AI & Deepfake Scams guides, or paste the exact message into our free scam checker.

By the numbers

Rising threat
voice cloning and deepfakes are increasingly used to make impersonation scams more convincing
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
$2.7B
reported lost to imposter scams in the US in 2023, a category AI is making more effective
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

Example message pattern

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: A video call appears to show your CEO instructing you to urgently transfer funds for a confidential deal, with no time to verify.

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Why this is a red flag: An executive on a video call urgently authorising a secret payment that skips normal checks.

Red flags to watch for

  • An urgent payment authorised by video or audio alone
  • Pressure for confidentiality and speed
  • A request that bypasses normal approval steps
  • Subtle glitches in the executive's face or voice
  • A transfer to a new or unusual account

What to do

  • Verify any payment through your normal approval process
  • Confirm with the executive on a known, separate channel
  • Treat video and audio as unverified on their own
  • Have clear procedures for urgent payment requests

If you already clicked or replied

  • If you sent funds, contact your bank immediately to try to recall it
  • Report it to your finance and security teams at once
  • Preserve the call details and any recordings
  • Alert colleagues who may be targeted

What not to do

  • Do not authorise payments on a video or audio call alone
  • Do not skip approvals because of urgency or secrecy
  • Do not transfer to new accounts without verification

Similar scams

High risk Email

CEO Fraud Scam

CEO fraud, a form of business email compromise, involves a scammer pretending to be a senior leader and pressuring an employee to move money or buy gift cards quickly and quietly. The email often mimics the executive's name and writing style, claims they are busy or travelling, and stresses secrecy. Because it exploits authority and urgency, even careful staff can be caught out. Slowing down and verifying any unusual payment request through a known channel is the most reliable defence.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk AI & Deepfake

Voice Cloning Emergency Scam

In this scam, AI clones a relative's or colleague's voice from a short audio clip, then calls claiming an emergency, such as an accident, arrest, or kidnapping, to pressure you into sending money urgently.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Bank & Payment

Invoice Redirection Scam

In this scam, fraudsters posing as a supplier or contractor email that their bank details have changed, so your next invoice payment is diverted to the scammer's account instead of the genuine business.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Frequently asked questions

Can a video call really be faked?
Yes. Deepfake video and audio can imitate an executive convincingly. Never authorise a payment on a call alone; verify through your normal process and a known channel.
How do we prevent deepfake CEO fraud?
Require dual approval for payments, verify unusual requests on a known channel, and train staff that urgency and secrecy are warning signs.
I transferred funds. What now?
Contact your bank immediately to try to recall it, report it to finance and security, preserve evidence, and alert colleagues.
Why do scammers use deepfakes?
A realistic executive 'authorising' a payment overcomes an employee's doubts, making business email compromise far more convincing.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.