Cybercrime Southeast Europe Newsletter No. 73

Dear Clients,

A new wave of fraud in the Balkans is no longer based only on fake emails or phone calls. More and more often, scammers are turning to deepfake technology – software that can convincingly imitate someone’s face or voice.

The scenario is simple: you receive a video message that appears to come from a well-known public figure, a banker, or even a family member, asking you to invest, transfer money, or “help urgently.” In reality, it’s an algorithm combining stolen images and audio to create a completely convincing illusion.

Why is this so dangerous? Because people are far less likely to doubt something they “see” or “hear” directly from someone they trust. That’s exactly why this form of fraud is spreading quickly.

How to protect yourself:

• If a message asks for money, always verify authenticity through another channel – call the person directly or contact the institution.
• Don’t make decisions “on the spot” under pressure.
• Look for small inconsistencies in facial movements or tone of voice – these are often signs of a deepfake.

Knowledge and caution remain the best defense against increasingly sophisticated digital scams.

Kind regards,
Attorney Zoran Miljaković