Fake Video Call on Messenger: How to Spot and Prevent Scams

Scammers never quit. Just when you think you’ve seen every trick, they throw a fake video call on Messenger. That’s not something you think about, right? A video call from a friend? Looks totally legit. You know the feeling when you get a text, and you just know it’s spam, but can’t put your finger on it? Yeah, that’s exactly it.

With scam reports on the rise globally-especially involving social platforms, these fake video calls are just the latest way users are being tricked, hacked, and even robbed. If you’re wondering, can you fake a video call on Messenger? The simple answer is yes, and scammers are using that to fool people every day.

In this blog, we’ll try to explain everything in detail so that you can have an in-depth knowledge before it’s too late and you get cheated.

How Can You Spot a Fake Video Call on Messenger?

Below are a few things given, which can let you know whether the call is authentic or fake:

Lack of Real-Time Interaction

When you’re talking, right, and you notice the other person is not really responding to you. There’s this weird delay in their reactions. Or sometimes they smile, but they don’t respond to what you said. You’re asking a question, and they’re just staring with a plain expression. Not blinking. That’s because they’re playing a pre-recorded video. It’s not live. It’s a loop, not a person.

Poor Video Quality or Still Images

Sometimes, maybe the video quality is fine. But then you notice something. They’re sitting still. They aren’t moving at all. No shifts in their position, no blinking, no adjusting the camera. If the camera’s locked at one angle and their face doesn’t move at all, that’s a static image or a loop.

Delays in Responses

Have you ever had that call where they’re so slow to react? You ask something, and there’s complete silence. Or they give you the wrong answer, like they didn’t actually hear you. That’s not bad Wi-Fi, they’re merely stalling. Or they’re behind on the prerecorded video that’s playing on loop.

Audio and Video Out of Sync

Have you ever watched a bad movie with terrible dubbing? Where the mouth moves but the words come five seconds too late? Same thing here. If audio and video don’t match, it’s a pre-recorded video.

The Risks of Fake Video Calls on Messenger

There are various risks that one may confront when dealing with these fake video calls. A few are outlined here:

Privacy and Data Security Threats

When you answer, you’re not just talking to your friend. You might be giving them access to everything. Your screen might be recorded. Maybe they slip in a malicious link that looks innocent. And what if they’re installing spyware? You don’t even know it’s happening. And the worst part is that they might sell your info or use it against you. This is a really serious, which can lead you to huge troubles.

If you’re worried your account has already been compromised, learning how to block a fake profile on Messenger is a fast first step toward protecting yourself.

The Emotional Manipulation Behind Fake Video Calls

Scammers know how to work your emotions. They’re going to pretend to be someone you trust, like a friend or family member, in some kind of distress. Because when you’re feeling emotional, you act fast.

Financial Loss Through Fake Video Calls

After they’ve got your trust, they’ll make their move. They’ll ask for money, gift cards, or they might want your bank details. It’ll sound urgent like they need it right now. Once you send anything, it disappears. They played the game, you fell for it, and now your money’s gone. 

Is It Legal to Fake a Video Call on Messenger?

So, is it illegal to fake video calls on Messenger? Technically, not always. Is it for personal reasons, like having a conversation or playing a prank? Probably not illegal.

But when you’re using it to scam someone? That’s fraud. If you’re using fake video calls to cheat someone, then that’s definitely a crime. For more on this, check out this deep dive on Impersonation Fraud to see how dangerous and legally risky these activities can be.

Knowing the Legal & Ethical Concerns

Even if faking a video call isn’t always illegal, it’s morally wrong. Trust is priceless, and once you break it? You’ll never get it back. If you’re doing it in a professional setting, it can cost you your reputation. Don’t make that mistake.

Facebook Messenger’s Privacy Policies & How They Apply

Facebook Messenger’s privacy policies are all about your privacy, right? They encrypt your messages and calls to keep them private. But here’s the catch—they don’t use end-to-end encryption for video calls. That means, while your conversation’s encrypted, Facebook still gets metadata.

If you’re faking video calls and harassing people? They will find out. And they’ll kick you off.

How to Prevent Falling for a Fake Video Call on Messenger

Adjust Your Messenger Privacy Settings

Start by tightening up your settings. Who’s allowed to call you? Who can message you? Go to Messenger > Settings > Privacy and set it up so only people you trust can message or call.

Be Sceptical of Unsolicited Video Calls

Don’t accept any unknown calls. First, look at the profile, check for anything suspicious. If you feel even a little bit uncomfortable, do not pick up the call.

Never Share Personal Information During a Call

Never give away anything personal, especially over a video call. They might sound like your best friend or a family member, but they’re probably not.

How to Block Messenger Calls for Better Safety

Unwanted calls on Messenger can be unpleasantly distracting and even unsafe. Fortunately, Messenger has an option for who to receive from. You can block spam calls and only allow access to your known and trusted contacts by changing the privacy and call settings. Check here how to block Facebook calls:

Step-by-step: Messenger > Settings > Privacy > Call Controls

• Open the Messenger App on your smartphone.
• Tap your profile picture (top left corner).
• Go to Privacy & Safety.
• Select Message Delivery or Call Controls.
• Choose who can call you: Friends, People You Follow, or No One.
• Save your preferences.

Limit Calls Only to Friends or Contacts You Trust

• To be as safe as much possible, here’s what you can do:
• Make only friends or trusted contacts who can call.
• Deny access or limit access to unknown users trying to access you.
• Check your privacy settings on a regular basis to keep things under control.

These few simple adjustments help you reduce spam, improve safety, and keep your Messenger experience stress-free.

How to Safely Use Video Calls on Messenger: Best Practices

Only Accept Calls From Verified Contacts

Only accept calls from people you actually know. If you don’t recognize the number? Don’t answer it.

Report Suspicious Accounts and Block Scammers

If you see something fishy—report and block.

Use Two-Factor Authentication for Extra Security

Activate 2FA (two-factor authentication). It is a simple setup, which makes your account more secure. Unless someone figures out how to gain access to your account, it does not matter that he/she has your first code or your password, since they cannot access your account without the second code.

Conclusion

Faking a video call? Is it good when you are making some pranks on your friends or family members? But when it is used to scam or deceive, it’s a real problem. Trust is everything. Once broken, it’s hard to repair. Be honest, be cautious.

Bytescare uses AI technology to detect, remove, and monitor unauthorised distribution of your intellectual property. Safeguard your creations and focus on growth. Don’t let digital piracy undermine your efforts—secure your assets with Bytescare digital piracy monitoring. Book a demo with us today!

FAQs