Cybercriminals are now selling synthetic identities, dubbed digital Frankensteins, on darknet forums and Telegram channels. These profiles combine stolen data, such as social security numbers, with AI-generated content like deepfake selfies, names, addresses, and voice clones to bypass automated KYC verification processes.
Research by Coveron and NordLayer Intelligence, based on an analysis of 362,000 messages, reveals a significant surge in demand. Monthly posts related to deepfakes grew from approximately 40 in the first quarter of 2024 to 307 by the second quarter of 2026. A sharp increase occurred in 2026, following a period of relative stability throughout 2025.
A complete set of synthetic identity data currently costs around $200. Alternatively, individual components such as a deepfake selfie or a cloned voice sample can be purchased for $10 each. Over the past year, more than 10,000 listings offering full identity data sets, including documents and deepfakes, have been published.
Experts advise individuals to monitor their personal data for leaks and consider freezing their credit history if they do not plan to open new accounts. Businesses are encouraged to implement multi-layered verification systems and utilize specialized identity theft protection services to mitigate these risks.
