Deepfake videos being used as scamming tools are unfortunately not new, and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has found five more, being linked to investment scams. Notably though, these make use of deepfakes of a wide range of VIPs, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim among them.
Bernama reports that other VIPs being deepfaked as part of the investment scams include US President Donald Trump, Tesla owner Elon Musk as well as Seputeh MP Teresa Kok. Cited in the report is Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Comm Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf who says that these were created by the same syndicate, and promoted on various platforms to spread the scam.
Also cited in the report is a statement from the Securities Commission noting that deepfake videos of public figures are often used to lend credibility to scammers’ claims. It’s a trick that’s as old as deepfake tech itself, with the use of local government officials being used to imply that these schemes, with promises of up to 100 times in returns, are promoted or endorsed by the government.
The statement ended with “public awareness if the dangers of deepfake videos is crucial, and internet users are advised to verify sources before believing such content”, reiterating internet safety habits that everyone should practice. In the meantime, the commission will be working with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), in removing scam content as well as taking action against those behind them.
(Bernama)
