Easton Secure Solutions

How to Spot a Deepfake: A Private Investigator’s Guide to Protecting Yourself

Aug 09, 2025By Easton Secure Solutions

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When What You See Isn’t the Truth


Imagine getting a video from a trusted friend — only to realize later that it was never real. The voice sounds perfect, the face moves naturally, and yet… the person in the video never said those words. Welcome to the era of deepfakes — AI-generated videos, audio, and images designed to look and sound like the real thing.

At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we’ve seen how convincing deepfakes can be. From relationship sabotage to financial scams and corporate extortion, these synthetic media files can ruin reputations, cost money, and destroy trust. Whether you’re in New York City, Long Island, or anywhere in the U.S., knowing how to spot a deepfake — and when to call a licensed private investigator — is essential for protecting yourself.

 
What Is a Deepfake?


A deepfake is a piece of media created or altered using artificial intelligence (AI) to replace someone’s likeness or voice with another. While deepfake technology can be used for fun or harmless parody, it’s increasingly exploited for malicious purposes:

  • Fraud & Scams — Impersonating CEOs, public figures, or loved ones to request money or sensitive data.
  • Defamation — Creating false evidence to harm someone’s personal or professional reputation.
  • Romance & Sextortion Scams — Producing fake explicit material to blackmail victims.
  • Election Interference & Disinformation — Spreading false statements or fake political endorsements.


 Why Deepfakes Are Dangerous

What makes deepfakes particularly dangerous is their believability. Unlike old-school photo manipulation, deepfake software can replicate:

  • Natural blinking, head tilts, and facial expressions.
  • Voice tone, inflection, and speech patterns.
  • Background noise and lighting that matches the original setting.


Without proper training or tools, even smart, cautious people can be fooled.

 
How a Private Investigator Detects Deepfakes


At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we use a multi-layered investigative approach to confirm whether an image, video, or audio file is genuine.

  1. Metadata & File Analysis: Every digital file contains data about when, where, and how it was created. We examine EXIF data and file signatures for inconsistencies.
  2. Frame-by-Frame Video Examination: Slowing down a deepfake can reveal:
  3. Unnatural blinking patterns
  4. Blurred facial edges during movement
  5. Lip movements that don’t perfectly match speech
  6. Voice Pattern Analysis: AI-generated voices may sound real to the human ear, but spectrogram analysis can reveal synthetic artifacts.
  7. Source Verification: We trace where the file originated, cross-referencing social media posts, timestamps, and IP data.
  8. Consultation with Digital Forensics Experts: In some cases, the case needs even more expert analysis so can make recommendations for forensic labs to strengthen court-admissible evidence or for a fresh set of eyes.

 
Case Example: The Fake CEO Video


A Long Island business owner contacted us after receiving a video “from” their CEO asking for an urgent funds transfer. The CEO appeared on-screen, referencing recent company events, and the voice matched perfectly.

We analyzed the file and discovered lighting mismatches and AI-generated voice anomalies. Because the business owner called us before sending money, we prevented a six-figure fraud.

 
Signs You May Be Dealing with a Deepfake


While detection technology is improving, here are red flags anyone can look for:

  • Inconsistent lighting — Shadows or highlights don’t match the environment.
  • Blurred edges — Especially around the face or hairline during movement.
  • Strange blinking or lip-sync issues — Slight delays or unnatural timing.
  • Mismatched audio — Voice tone doesn’t fully match facial emotion.
  • Odd background movement — Background objects may warp or shimmer.

If you notice any of these signs, save the file and contact a licensed private investigator immediately — especially before taking any action or sharing the media.

 
Legal & Law Enforcement Resources


While laws on deepfakes are still evolving, victims in New York and across the U.S. have options:

If a deepfake contains explicit material or is part of a harassment campaign, it may violate New York’s revenge porn laws or federal cybercrime statutes.

 
Why Hire a Private Investigator for a Deepfake Investigation?


Unlike DIY online checks, a licensed private investigator can:

  • Gather admissible evidence for court or law enforcement.
  • Access professional forensic tools and AI-detection software.
  • Identify who created and distributed the deepfake.
  • Work with attorneys to protect your legal rights.
  • Conduct discreet interviews and online footprint analysis.

Check out our background and identity page: Click here

Our team handles investigations nationwide, with specialized local knowledge for NYC and Long Island cases.

 
What to Do If You’re a Victim

  • Do not engage with the sender — This can make matters worse.
  • Save the file — Preserve all metadata by keeping the original file format.
  • Document all communications — Screenshots, emails, messages.
  • Contact a private investigator — The sooner we act, the better the chance of tracing the source.
  • Consider legal steps — Work with law enforcement and your attorney to pursue charges or injunctions.
     

    Easton Secure Solutions LLC — Your Partner in Digital Truth Verification

Deepfakes are more than just a technological curiosity — they’re a growing threat to personal security, business integrity, and public trust.

At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we investigate deepfake videos, audio, and images with precision, speed, and discretion. Our work has helped clients clear their names, protect their assets, and stop fraud before it escalates.

We serve clients nationwide, with specialized investigative knowledge for New York City and Long Island residents and businesses.

 
☎️ Call us today: (516) 962-1267
✉️ Email: [email protected]
💻 Visit: www.eastonsecuresolutions.com

Because in a world where anything can be faked, the truth is priceless.