Cyber Security Authority Warns of Surge in Deepfake Scams Targeting Investors and Consumers
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has sounded the alarm over a rising wave of deepfake videos circulating on social media that falsely depict government officials, media figures and public personalities endorsing fraudulent investment schemes and unapproved medical products.
The regulator said on Monday that malicious actors are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence to create highly convincing audio and video content that mimics the likeness and voices of prominent individuals. The videos, which are proliferating on platforms such as Facebook, often promise guaranteed returns on fictitious investment ventures or promote so-called “miracle cures” for chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity.
“The threat actors promise unrealistic or guaranteed high returns on investments that are entirely fake. Victims are often pressured to transfer money into non-existent ventures,” the CSA said in its statement. It warned that unsuspecting consumers risk losing money through advance fee scams, fake product purchases, and identity theft.
The Authority urged the public to treat such promotional material with caution, citing tell-tale signs of manipulation such as mismatched lip movements, robotic or overly polished voices, and unusual lighting or shadows. It cautioned against sending money or sharing personal information in response to unsolicited advertisements without independent verification.
The CSA also recommended that investment and health claims be cross-checked with relevant regulators, including the Bank of Ghana and the Food and Drugs Authority.
The rise of AI-generated content has unsettled regulators worldwide, with growing concerns that deepfake technology could undermine trust in financial markets and public institutions.
