Deepfake scams have become more common nowadays, as they keep appearing in everyday conversations, video calls, and chat apps across the UAE. Sharjah Police have reported a clear rise in such AI Deepfake cases. Scammers now use AI tools to mimic voices, facial expressions, and gestures with alarming accuracy, says Sharjah Police. So the best way to avoid being scammed is to stay alert and check before taking any action.
Sharjah Police Sound The Alarm As Deepfake Scams Surge
Lieutenant Colonel Ibraheim Al Midfa and Captain Saoud Bousim from the Media and Awareness Department highlighted to the Gulf News on how quickly criminals have adopted this technology. What used to require great skill now takes minutes and a few online tools. This shift has made residents far more vulnerable.
Scammers Are Using Fake Familiarity To Break Through Trust
The biggest threat doesn’t come from viral videos or edited celebrity clips. It comes from private spaces where people feel safe, like WhatsApp, email, and video calls. It’s quite easy for the fraudsters to create fake calls from family members, send voice notes, or build entire identities using AI-generated faces. One manipulated clip is enough to trigger someone’s emotions, leading them to send money or share private details.
Small Warning Signs Can Reveal A Manipulated Video Or Voice
Sharjah Police stressed that deepfakes, even the polished ones, still show tiny flaws. Audio may sound too smooth or lack natural pauses. Video faces may blink strangely or move in ways that don’t match the lighting. Expressions sometimes lag by a fraction of a second. These little mismatches often reveal more than people realise.
Residents were reminded that digital content can look real while still being entirely fabricated.
Also Read: Dubai Municipality Warns Residents To Beware Of Fake QR Codes Used In Online Scams
Simple Habits To Safeguard From Deepfake Scams Across Sharjah
Police shared a few practical steps that help stop scams like these:
Verify before reacting: Always double-check messages or calls that involve money or personal information
Notice odd cues: Audio glitches, strange lighting, or unnatural movements could be signs of AI-Deepfake.
Stay cautious with sudden requests: If you detect anything suspicious about things being overly emotional or rushed, check before taking action.
The advancement of Deepfakes has no limits, but smart digital habits can simply save you from loss, and Sharjah Police is here to make you aware of the same.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/Dmitry Nogaev from Getty Images