UPDATE: Scammers have unleashed a sophisticated AI-generated deepfake of WA Premier Roger Cook to promote a fraudulent investment scheme, prompting an urgent warning from Consumer Protection WA. The alarming incident was confirmed on Friday, October 13, 2023, highlighting the growing threat of AI technology in scams that target unsuspecting individuals.
The fraudulent video, which features a convincing imitation of Mr. Cook’s likeness and voice, claims to offer an investment opportunity requiring a $400 contribution and falsely asserts government endorsement. These deceptive ads are being circulated as pop-up advertisements on YouTube, misleadingly labeled as “endorsed by the Government and open to everyone.”
Consumer Protection WA has stated, “This is a deepfake investment scam created using artificial intelligence, designed to steal your money and personal information.” The agency has been swift to address the issue, emphasizing that the State Government does not support or promote private investment schemes through unsolicited videos or social media advertisements.
Authorities are actively investigating the scam and have taken steps to mitigate its spread. “We are actively investigating this matter and have reported the scam website to the domain host to request it be removed swiftly to help prevent further spread,” they added.
The use of deepfake technology in scams is not new. In August 2023, a similar advertisement featuring a deepfake of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised potential earnings exceeding $25,000 for those who signed up for the scheme. Other prominent figures, including mining magnates Gina Rinehart and Andrew Forrest, have also been victimized by AI-generated scams.
Forrest has been engaged in a legal battle with Meta, Facebook’s parent company, for several years, aiming to hold them accountable for hosting ads featuring his likeness without permission. A court hearing in March 2023 revealed that Forrest appeared in at least 230,000 fake ads on the platform since 2019.
As these incidents escalate, the public is urged to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities, particularly those that appear to be endorsed by high-profile officials. The sophistication of these scams underscores the necessity for increased awareness and protective measures against potential fraud.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates as their investigation unfolds. Stay tuned for the latest developments on this urgent matter.
