‘The risks are real,’ Police warn about falling victim to AI videos featuring your fav celeb

As artificial intelligence technology advances, cybersecurity experts warn it’s getting easier to make convincing ads for online scams as eerily realistic-looking deepfake videos of news anchors and celebrities rapidly spread online. (Pexels)

We have all seen the videos online that seem to good to be true, promoting a service or investment voiced by celebrities, politicians, and sometimes news anchors. Now officials and police are warning residents to be careful.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) is continuing to raise awareness of various scams residents can encounter on the phone or online.

According to the CAFC, they are seeing an increase in Deepfake videos, including artificial intelligence (AI) videos impersonating politicians, celebrities, and news anchors.

The term ‘deepfake videos’ are videos created using AI, manipulating audio and video to make it seem like a trusted source is endorsing or promoting a product.

This can include investment platforms and merchandise.

According to Southern Georgian Bay OPP, these videos often appear on social media platforms and are being used to spread false information.

 There are multiple ways to protect yourself including always assuming the video is fake until proven otherwise, use caution when viewing videos that seem too good to be true, and look for signs of video editing.

Members of the public are also able to cross check information themselves, or checking to see if the company is registered with the Provincial Securities Regulator, or National Registration Tool

OPP want to remind the public if they believe they are a victim of cybercrime or fraud, to report it to their local police department, and to the CAFC online reporting system.