Deepfake on Facebook and Instagram: how scammers use fake videos with celebrities

Deepfakes on Facebook and Instagram: Dishonest Individuals Exploit Fake Videos Featuring Celebrities

Deepfakes – fake videos generated using artificial intelligence – are becoming an increasing problem on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Dishonest individuals are using deepfake technology to create deceptive videos featuring well-known personalities such as Prince William or the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Scams Related to Deepfakes: Artificial Intelligence Used to Lure into Investing in Deceptive Cryptocurrencies

According to research conducted by the Fenimore Harper team, over 250 ads with deepfake versions of Keir Starmer have been detected on social media platforms since the recent UK elections. These ads promote a fake cryptocurrency trading platform called „Immediate Edge,” promising daily profits of up to £1000.

Modus Operandi of Scammers: What Does the Trap Look Like?

Individuals who click on such ads are redirected to a landing page, where they are asked to provide their name, phone number, and email address. These details are then used to contact victims and persuade them to deposit money into the deceptive trading platform, where the investment is indeed at risk.

Threat to Society: Misunderstanding and Lack of Awareness Regarding Deepfakes

Research published by Santander indicates that over half of Britons (53%) either haven’t heard of the term „deepfake” or have a complex understanding of this threat. Only 17% of individuals are confident in their ability to easily identify a fake deepfake video, making them easy targets for scammers.

Santander Campaign: How to Raise Awareness and Protect Society from Deepfakes?

In response to the increasing deepfake-related scams, Santander bank has launched a campaign aimed at raising awareness of the threat to society. By creating their own deepfake videos featuring „finfluencer” Mr. Money Jar and Santander’s Fraud Chief, Chris Ainsley, the bank aims to demonstrate how realistic fake videos can be and how people can protect themselves from them.

Society is thus facing a growing threat from deepfakes, which are being used for scams related to cryptocurrency investments. Awareness of the issue and the ability to identify fake videos are crucial for protection against online fraud.