KUALA LUMPUR: Police have detected five deepfake videos linked to investment scams generated using artificial intelligence (AI) technology and widely shared on social media since last year.
Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Comm Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf (pic) said the videos featured politicians and corporate figures, with the most recent depicting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and US President Donald Trump.
Other individuals depicted in the videos include members of PETRONAS senior management, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, and Tesla, Inc chief executive officer Elon Musk.
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"The videos show these figures 'inviting' the public to join investment schemes allegedly endorsed by the Malaysian government, promising returns of up to 100 times.
"Although the videos are promoted on various platforms, it is believed the same syndicate produced them to mislead victims,” he said on Wednesday (March 12).
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The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) said in a statement that deepfake AI videos promoting investment schemes often misuse the likenesses of public figures or companies to lend credibility to their claims.
According to SC, these postings usually include a "Learn More” button or link that directs victims to a registration page to fill in their personal information.
"Unsuspecting individuals who access the link will also be asked to download an application, which could expose them to cybercrime risks,” it said.
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The SC said that it would, in collaboration with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, take appropriate action against deepfake videos promoting fraudulent investments, including removing them from the internet to prevent public access.
"Public awareness of the dangers of deepfake videos is crucial, and users are advised to verify sources before believing such content,” it added. – Bernama
