
From stills to videos
This method has now been refined using AI-generated deepfake technology. Instead of simply using the person’s name and picture, the scammers are now creating videos where the celebrity appears to be in an interview setting, telling the audience about the incredible investments they have made.
“We have seen this happening to celebrities in several countries – Elon Musk for example. And now this seems to be occurring more often also in the Nordics. Earlier this year, a video was spread featuring a Swedish minister encouraging Swedes to invest in biogas."
Promises of more than just riches
In several re-occurring cases the scammers promise wealth by investments in different crypto currencies. But there are also cases where the incentive is an entirely different one. It could be a request for funds to research the cure for a disease or to provide aid to war-stricken areas.
“The basic idea is to prey on the victims’ emotions, and not everyone is motivated by being rich. If a loved one is afflicted by a deadly disease, the victims can become easy targets, as they really want to believe that they are funding a research team on the verge of finding a cure.”