AI-generated deepfake videos featuring journalist Jack Tame and diabetes expert Rinki Murphy were used to scam people into buying fake diabetes products and stopping their medication, resulting in financial losses and potential health risks.
An AI-generated scam video featuring journalist Jack Tame and Auckland University diabetes expert Rinki Murphy circulated online, convincing people with diabetes to stop taking their medications and purchase unproven products. The deepfake video showed Murphy's likeness on a TVNZ Q+A show telling viewers to 'stop taking their diabetes medications and to buy some unheard of product to cure their diabetes.' Murphy first became aware of the scam in April after a neighbor showed her the video, and she immediately contacted police, NetSafe and Health NZ. She reported being contacted by about 50 people regarding the claims and expressed concern that many more may have been scammed. The videos featured her saying phrases like 'buy this 5 second method,' 'take this cure for 27 days,' and 'these pills are NOT sold in pharmacies.' One victim, Whangārei man Steve Davis, paid $320 for fake products after being convinced by the authentic-looking video featuring Jack Tame. The videos continued circulating on social media platforms like Facebook, with new versions appearing as soon as others were taken down. Police received an online report about the incident on April 30 and advised extreme caution with products advertised online.
Domain classification, causal taxonomy, severity scores, and national security assessments were LLM-classified and may contain errors.
Using AI systems to gain a personal advantage over others such as through cheating, fraud, scams, blackmail or targeted manipulation of beliefs or behavior. Examples include AI-facilitated plagiarism for research or education, impersonating a trusted or fake individual for illegitimate financial benefit, or creating humiliating or sexual imagery.
Human
Due to a decision or action made by humans
Intentional
Due to an expected outcome from pursuing a goal
Post-deployment
Occurring after the AI model has been trained and deployed