The rise of deepfake technology is making waves, and unfortunately, not the good kind. For real estate brokers, these ultra-realistic fake videos, audio, and images have become a threat. Deepfakes are highly convincing AI-generated media that mimics real people. They are being used by scammers to impersonate clients, agents, or executives for fraud and deception. It’s essential to know how to spot the warning signs and protect your real estate business and your clients.
In this blog, we’ll cover what brokers need to know about deepfakes, how to recognize them, and what you can do to safeguard your transactions…
What Are Deepfakes and Why Should Brokers Care?
Deepfakes can convincingly impersonate someone’s appearance or voice. This technology was initially used in entertainment, but now scammers are using it to manipulate and defraud unsuspecting people. In real estate, a deepfake could come in the form of fake emails, video calls, or voice messages supposedly from clients, agents, or even managers, all aimed at extracting money or sensitive information.
Imagine receiving a call that looks and sounds just like your client. They ask you to transfer funds to a “new account.” What if that call isn’t real? Deepfakes are incredibly convincing, so without knowing how to spot them, you or your team could easily be drawn into a costly scam.
Recognizing the Signs of a Deepfake
The first line of defense is learning to spot the signs that something isn’t quite right. Here are some red flags that could indicate a deepfake:
Inconsistent or Unnatural Movements
Deepfakes, especially videos, may have subtle oddities. Look for things like strange blinking patterns, delayed audio, or facial expressions that seem a bit unusual. Deepfakes sometimes have glitches or jerky movements.
Mismatch in Voice and Appearance
Sometimes, the voice may not fully match up with lip movements or facial expressions. If the person’s tone or mannerisms seem inconsistent, or something feels slightly out of place, trust your gut and investigate.
Low Video or Audio Quality
Deepfakes often use lower-quality audio or video to hide flaws. If a video or voice call seems unusually compressed or has background static, it could be a sign of something suspicious. Authentic conversations are generally clearer.
Looking out for these small details can catch potential deepfakes before they become big problems.
Tips to Protect Your Real Estate Brokerage
Here’s how you can stay a step ahead and keep your brokerage safe from deepfake scams:
1. Strengthen Your Authentication Methods
Relying on an email or quick text for confirmation just isn’t enough these days. Use multi-factor authentication for all sensitive financial transactions. Make it standard practice to verify via multiple channels, like a call back on a known number or a unique code. Adding these additional layers of protection makes it much harder for scammers to break through.
2. Educate Your Team
Knowledge is your best ally. Make sure you and your team understand the risks and signs of deepfakes. Regular training sessions on cybersecurity and emerging fraud tactics are incredibly valuable. Host team discussions about recent scams or share stories of deepfake fraud cases that have impacted the real estate industry. The more informed your team is, the more vigilant they’ll be in protecting your real estate business.
3. Stick to Reliable Platforms and Tools
When handling real estate transactions, choose reputable platforms for all communications and financial activities. Many third-party providers now offer advanced security measures, including deepfake detection, to help safeguard against fraud. Verify that your communication, email, and transaction platforms use strong security protocols and monitor the apps and tools you use for unusual activity.
Encourage everyone on your team to avoid using gmail as a business email. It’s too easy for someone trying to impersonate you to create an email address that is slightly different than yours, but at a fast glance looks like the email is coming from you.
And never click on an attachment from an unknown sender. That is the fast way to allow a hacker entrance to your email system.
4. Monitor Financial Transactions Closely
Keeping a close watch on your brokerage’s financial transactions can help you detect anything suspicious early on. Make it a habit to review your transaction history regularly. Look out for unusual withdrawals, transfers, or changes to account information. Being proactive and closely monitoring your finances will ensure you discover any unauthorized activity early before it escalates.
5. Report Anything Suspicious Right Away
If you suspect a deepfake or encounter any fraudulent activity, don’t wait. Document everything — dates, times, and a description of the incident — and report it immediately to your cybersecurity team, bank, or even local law enforcement if needed. Quick action can prevent further attempts and it helps to create an incident record for potential follow-up.
6. Verify Changes Directly with Clients
If you receive a sudden or unexpected request, especially for fund transfers or sensitive information, verify it directly with the client. Contact them through a trusted method, like an in-person meeting or a known number. Deepfakes often exploit changes in routine communication, so adding this extra layer of confirmation can save you from costly mistakes. It may seem like a hassle, but this simple step can save you and your clients from major financial losses and damaged client relationships.
7. Stay Updated on Deepfake Detection Tools
As deepfake technology evolves, so do the tools that detect them. Many software companies now offer detection software that can scan media for signs of manipulation. Look for tools that integrate with your current systems, and stay updated on new technologies that can help your brokerage identify fraudulent content. This can give you an edge in defending yourself against deepfake scams.
Protect Your Real Estate Brokerage from Deepfake Risks
The threat of deepfakes isn’t going away. As the technology advances, scams will only become more sophisticated and harder to spot. As a real estate broker, you have a duty to protect your clients and transactions, and that means staying a step ahead of deepfake risks. By being proactive, enforcing strong security measures, and educating your team, you can help ensure a safer, more trustworthy environment for every transaction.
Having the right insurance in place is also important for real estate brokers. Contact the CRES team to find out about Real Estate E&O + ClaimPrevent®, Business Owner’s Policy, and comprehensive Cyber Liability Coverage options to help keep your brokerage safe.
