Celebrities as decoys - what's behind the fake videos?
Technology has made rapid progress in recent years, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). But with the benefits come new dangers. One of the most worrying developments is the use of so-called deepfakes - deceptively real but completely fake videos in which celebrities appear to promote lucrative investments. These videos are used to lure unsuspecting investors to fraudulent investment platforms.
Deepfakes are digital manipulations in which a person's face and voice are imitated using AI technology. In the fake promotional videos, celebrities such as Uschi Glas appear to talk about the benefits of certain financial products and encourage viewers to invest quickly. The videos are so well made that they are often almost indistinguishable from real recordings. Criminals buy advertising space on platforms such as YouTube or in Google news feeds to distribute these videos and lure potential victims into the trap.
How does the deepfake scam work?
The scam with deepfake videos usually follows a simple but effective scheme:
- Creation of deepfakes: Criminals use advanced AI software to create videos of celebrities who appear to be promoting certain investments.
- Distribution of advertising: The fake videos are specifically placed on social media, video platforms or in news feeds to reach a wide audience.
- Contacting: Interested users who fall for the advertising are redirected to fraudulent websites where they are asked to register.
- Investment incentives: The scammers entice users with supposedly small initial investments and promises of high profits. Initially, users' accounts actually appear to make a profit, which boosts confidence in the platform.
- Loss of money: After the victims have invested large sums, the winnings suddenly disappear, or bureaucratic hurdles are put forward that prevent payment.
This scam is particularly dangerous, as it builds trust only to then shamelessly exploit it. The supposed "advisors" regularly contact the victims and use their convincing appearance to ensure that they continue to invest. But as soon as the fraudsters have made enough money, the supposed profits vanish into thin air and the fraudsters disappear.
Protection against deepfake fraud - what you can do
It is important to remain vigilant and protect yourself from such scams. Consumers should therefore pay particular attention to the following signs:
- Unnatural movements: Look for small inconsistencies, such as lip movements that don't match speech or facial expressions that seem odd.
- Unrealistic promises: If an investment sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Promises of quick and high profits are often a warning signal.
- Check the source: Check whether the advertised platform actually exists and whether the celebrities are really promoting it. This can often be found out with a simple online search.
If you suspect that you have fallen victim to such a scam, it is important to act quickly. Contact your bank immediately to stop any transfers. The police and specialist IT lawyers can also provide valuable support. In some cases, it may also be advisable to reset your computer to ensure that no malicious programs have been left behind by the fraudsters.
Conclusion: vigilance is the best protection
Technology is evolving, and so are the methods used by fraudsters. Deepfake videos are a frightening example of how easily people can be manipulated. This makes it all the more important to remain skeptical at all times, especially when it comes to financial matters. Don't blindly trust what you see online and do your research before you invest. This is the only way to effectively protect yourself from these modern scams.
