Police have reported that they are aware of a new deep fake scam circulating on social media, but as of now, no formal complaints have been lodged. The scam involves a manipulated video that falsely features Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) governor Ariff Ali alongside a local news anchor, promoting a get-rich-quick investment scheme.
According to police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro, the Cybercrime Unit and the Online Safety Commission are monitoring the situation. She explained that this instance is notable due to its deceptive nature using artificial intelligence to generate a video that spreads misleading information. In this case, the video claims the RBF has an investment platform, which the bank has unequivocally denied.
The Reserve Bank of Fiji issued a statement asserting that it does not operate any investment platforms and does not engage in automatic trading, contradicting the claims made in the fraudulent video. The bank is also working on measures to remove the misleading content circulating online.
Fiji One News confirmed that the video in question was neither produced nor authorized by them. They, along with the RBF, are condemning the unauthorized use of their branding and likenesses, highlighting a broader concern regarding the rise of such scams, especially those utilizing advanced technologies like deepfake.
This situation underscores a growing trend of misinformation driven by technology, prompting calls from authorities to the public for increased vigilance. They encourage individuals to verify information from credible sources before engaging with any online investment opportunities.
Given the serious nature of these scams, the collaborative efforts between the Bank and media outlets provide hope for improving public awareness and ensuring community members are better equipped to recognize and avoid such deceptive schemes. By fostering an environment of vigilance and informed decision-making, there is optimism that individuals can protect themselves from potential financial exploitation.
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