A call from your boss demanding an urgent wire transfer. His voice sounds perfect. Except it's not him. In 2026, voice cloning and deepfake scams are no longer science fiction, and they are increasingly targeting small and medium-sized businesses. In Trois-Rivières, as elsewhere in Quebec, no business is too small to be targeted.
The good news is that you can protect yourself without being an expert. We explain what a deepfake is, why small businesses have become targets, and the simple steps that really make a difference.
Quick answer: A deepfake is fake content (voice, video, or image) generated by artificial intelligence to imitate a real person. Today, a voice can be cloned from just three to ten seconds of recording. To protect your SME, implement verification through a second channel before any transfer or sharing of sensitive information, and train your teams to recognize these frauds.
1. What is a deepfake and what is voice cloning?
A deepfake is a fake created by artificial intelligence, realistic enough to deceive. It can be an imitated voice, a manipulated video, or a fake image. Voice cloning is the most commonly used form against businesses because it is quick and cheap to produce.
The worrying detail: today, only three to ten seconds of clean audio are needed to convincingly clone a voice. And these few seconds are easy to find. A video on social media, a conference, a webinar, or a voicemail message will do.
2. Why SMEs have become targets
For a long time, small businesses believed they were safe. That's no longer the case. Artificial intelligence has made attacks inexpensive and automated, therefore profitable even against small targets.
- Tailor-made lures: fraudsters use AI to create messages tailored to your sector, with credible themes such as an invoice or a call for tenders.
- Fewer warning signs: fraudulent emails contain almost no mistakes and mimic your suppliers better.
- A very real impact: according to the World Economic Forum, nearly three out of four respondents knew someone in their circle who had been affected by digital fraud in 2025.
Phishing remains the number one entry point for attacks, and AI simply makes it more convincing.
3. How to recognize an AI scam
No technology can replace vigilance. A few simple precautions can help identify most of these scams before it's too late.
- An unusual emergency that prompts swift and impulsive action.
- A request for a transfer, a change of bank details or sensitive data.
- An unusual channel: a call or a text message instead of the usual email.
- A detail that is off in the tone, the vocabulary or the procedure followed.
OKTO Tip: Adopt a simple rule in your company: all requests for wire transfers or bank account modifications must be confirmed through a second, known channel, such as a call to the person's official number. This simple step blocks the vast majority of voice-cloning scams.
4. Six steps to protect your business
AI does not replace good security practices; on the contrary, it makes the fundamentals even more valuable.
- Double validation: confirm any sensitive request through a second channel.
- Two-factor authentication: enable it everywhere, especially for emails and banking access.
- Internal security password: agree on a secret word or question to verify identity in case of doubt.
- Team training: raise awareness among your staff about deepfakes and voice cloning.
- Updates: Keep your systems and software up to date.
- Written procedures: document who can authorize a payment and how.
To actually enable two-factor authentication, follow our guide Enable two-factor authentication on Microsoft 365.
5. What to do if you are a victim
If a scam succeeds, speed limits the damage. Act without delay and without hesitation, because these scams trap even cautious people.
- Contact your financial institution immediately to try to block the transfer.
- Change the affected passwords and check access.
- Report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and your IT provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a deepfake?
A deepfake is a fake piece of content generated by artificial intelligence, such as a voice, video, or image, designed to realistically imitate a real person. Fraudsters use them to impersonate a boss, supplier, or colleague.
How long does it take to clone a voice?
Very few. Current tools can produce a convincing clone from just three to ten seconds of clean audio. That's why a simple public video or voice message can be enough for a fraudster.
How to protect yourself from AI scams?
The best protection is two-factor authentication: confirm all sensitive requests through a different, known channel. Add two-factor authentication, written procedures, and regular training for your teams.
Protect your SME with a trusted local partner
Deepfake scams are evolving rapidly, but simple measures can effectively protect you. To assess your risks and train your teams, explore our IT services or contact the OKTO Solutions team in Trois-Rivières for support tailored to your specific needs.