Is That Really Your Grandchild On The Video Call? How To Spot A Deepfake
What you'll learn: what a 'deepfake' video call actually is, why video calling with family is still worth doing despite this, and a simple family habit that protects you completely — without needing any technical know-how.
Free Calls for Seniors
7/24/20262 min read
Video Calls Are Wonderful — Here's The One Thing To Know
If you've been enjoying video calls with grandchildren — seeing their faces, watching them grow up, feeling that bit closer despite the distance — that's exactly what this technology is for, and none of what follows should put you off using it.
But it's worth knowing about a new twist on an old scam, because being aware of it is the entire solution. No new settings, no new apps — just one simple habit.
What Is A 'Deepfake' Call?
Artificial intelligence can now be used to copy a person's face and voice from short clips — sometimes just a few seconds taken from a video posted online — and use that copy to make a fake video or phone call sound and look convincingly like someone you know.
This has given a new, more convincing edge to a scam that's existed for years: the 'grandchild in trouble' call, where a criminal pretends to be a family member urgently needing money — for bail, a hospital bill, or to get out of a difficult situation abroad.
Because the voice — and now sometimes the video — can sound genuinely like your grandchild, this scam has become harder to spot just by listening or watching. That's exactly why the answer isn't to try to spot fakery in the moment, but to have a simple check already in place.
The Family Safe Word: Your Best Protection
Cybersecurity experts consistently recommend the same simple defence, and it works whether the call is fake or genuinely from your family: agree a private 'safe word' with your close family members now, before you ever need it.
Choose an unusual word or short phrase that wouldn't be easy to guess — not a pet's name or a birthday, which could be found online.
Share it quietly with your children and grandchildren, and agree that it's only ever used to confirm identity in an urgent situation.
If you ever receive a call or video call asking for money urgently, simply ask for the safe word before doing anything else.
If they can't give it, or the call feels off in any way, hang up and call them back yourself on the number you already have saved for them.
Other Sensible Habits
Slow down. Scams like this rely on urgency and panic — a genuine emergency can wait the two minutes it takes to call back on a known number.
Never send money, gift cards, or bank details based on a single call alone, however convincing it sounds.
If a video call looks slightly odd — strange blinking, mismatched lip movement, or a laggy, glitchy picture — treat that as a reason to double-check, not proof either way.
Talk about this openly with your family so everyone knows the safe word exists and takes it seriously.
Don't Let This Put You Off Video Calling
It can feel unsettling to read about scams like this, but the sensible response isn't to avoid video calls — it's to add one small habit that protects you completely. The joy of seeing a grandchild's face on screen, sharing a story, or just saying goodnight, is still very much worth it.
Set up your family safe word this week, and you'll be able to enjoy every future video call with complete peace of mind.
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