A fake voice or video was used to trick you, or a fake was made of you
Someone used an AI-made voice, video, or image to trick you, often into sending money. Or someone made a fake image or video of you. Acting fast helps, and none of this is your fault.
Not reviewed by a legal expert yet. Robert Sweetman is checking these pages against their sources, but no lawyer, legal clinic, or consumer organisation has reviewed them, and native speakers haven't checked the translations. If you can help review them, please get in touch.
General information, not legal advice. Laws differ by place. For anything involving significant money, health, housing, or legal status, talk to a lawyer, a legal-aid office, or your consumer agency.
Do this first
If you sent money or gave bank details, call your bank now, using the number on your card or the bank's own website. The sooner they know, the better the chance of stopping or recovering the payment.
Don't send more money, and stop replying. People running these tricks often come back with a new story.
If a call or video seemed to come from someone you know, hang up and call them back on the number you already have for them.
Save everything: messages, numbers, voice notes, videos, links, and payment details. Then report it to the police.
What probably happened
A few seconds of someone's voice, or a few photos, can be enough for AI to make a convincing fake.
These tricks often create panic: a relative in trouble, a boss asking for an urgent payment, or a famous face promoting an investment.
Fakes can also be made of you, including intimate images. That is never your fault, and you can ask for them to be taken down.
Your rights where you live
Pick where you live to see your rights and a letter you can send.
If this letter reaches you at work
Thank you for reading it. Nobody is being blamed here. Most people who write just want to understand and be treated fairly. Here are some ideas that help.
Make it quick to report a scam or a fake, day or night, and act on reports fast. Minutes matter.
Start from belief. People who were tricked often feel ashamed. A kind first response helps them tell you everything you need.
Label AI-made content clearly. In the EU, deepfakes must be disclosed.3
Remove fakes of real people quickly when they ask, and stop copies from coming back. In the US, intimate images must come down within 48 hours.119
Share warning signs with customers, without blaming the people who were caught out.
If you could lose your home, your job, or money you need for food or bills, don't wait for letters. A legal aid office or consumer advice centre near you can help. Many are free.
Keep a record
Keep every letter, email, chat, and notice, with its date. Take screenshots of chats. For phone calls, write down the date, who you spoke to, and what they said.