Synthetic Media: How To Spot It and Why You Should Care

What is synthetic media? The term refers to any content—text, images, video, or audio—that has been generated or significantly altered by artificial intelligence. While this technology has creative uses, it also makes it incredibly easy to create deepfakes or convincing misinformation that can trick even the most cautious person.

Use Caution at Work

With the rise of “synthetic media,” all employees, whatever their title and role, need to understand how to verify the source of information. In a corporate environment, a forged audio clip of a CEO or a faked invoice can lead to disastrous financial or reputational leaks. To navigate this new landscape, you don’t need to be a computer scientist; you just need a healthy dose of digital skepticism and a few practical habits.

• Check the metadata. Digital files often carry “provenance” data, a digital trail showing where the file came from and if it was edited. Look for the “Content Credentials” icon (a small “cr” symbol) now being adopted by major tech platforms to show a file’s history.
• Investigate the source. If you receive an unusual request via video or audio, look at the sender’s handle or email address. Does it match the official corporate directory exactly, or is there a subtle typo?
• Look for technical “glitchiness.” AI often struggles with fine details. In images, look for warped backgrounds, asymmetrical glasses, or irregular hand shapes. In audio, listen for unnatural rhythms or a lack of emotional inflection.
• Use out-of-band verification. If a digital message seems off in some way, verify it through a different channel. For example, if you receive a suspicious email, call the purported sender directly or message them on a separate trusted platform.

By staying vigilant, you become the strongest link in your company’s security chain.

 

Defend Yourself at Home

AI and synthetic media aren’t only a concern for businesses and employees—scammers are harnessing these same techniques to use against individuals too. Here’s what you need to do to be on the lookout for fake content that can be used to defraud you.

• Beware of AI phishing. Scammers are successfully using AI to mimic the writing style of legitimate companies or even friends. Never click links in unsolicited emails or texts; instead, go directly to the official website to verify the request.
• Hyper-realistic deepfake fraud. In 2026, deepfakes have moved beyond grainy videos. Real-time voice and face-swapping are now used in “CEO doppelganger” scams and family emergency fraud, making it nearly impossible to verify identity through a screen or phone call alone. If you get a phone call or video call that just doesn’t quite feel right or where the person on the other end is asking for money or info, hang up and call them back at a number you know to be legitimate.
• Be aware of agentic AI exploits. The rise of autonomous AI agents—designed to handle tasks like scheduling and data analysis—has created a new form of insider threat. Hackers now target these agents to gain privileged access to your accounts, turning your own productivity tools against you. If you use these tools, make sure your login to them is secure. Opt in to multi-factor authentication whenever possible and using strong passwords or, even better, passkeys.
• Keep details off of social media. Believe it or not, phishing is growing obsolete in its traditional form. AI now crafts hyper-personalized messages by scraping your real-time social media activity and professional history, resulting in lures that are nearly indistinguishable from legitimate business or personal correspondence.

 

With the right knowledge and support, you don’t have to face AI-enhanced scams alone. At Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, we’re here to help you stay informed, stay vigilant, and take steps that reduce your risk so you can feel confident and protected every day. Have more questions or need help? You can find out more about protecting your private information on our Fraud & Theft Protection page.