Scammers used AI-powered deepfake technology to create fraudulent videos impersonating Macau's Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai to promote fake investment schemes on social media platforms.
On June 18, a manipulated video circulated on social media platforms that used AI-powered deepfake technology to falsely impersonate Macau's Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai. The video used actual footage of the Chief Executive attending a public event, which was then altered using deepfake technology to promote fraudulent investment platforms. The Judiciary Police (PJ) issued a public alert warning residents about this apparent online investment scam. According to authorities, no victims have come forward so far, but the video is part of a global trend of AI-related scams. The PJ noted this is not the first time such tactics have been used in Macau, with scammers increasingly exploiting the likenesses of public figures to deceive the public. Police urged residents to remain cautious of investment offers from unknown sources, especially those promoted through social media or messaging apps, and to verify any investment opportunity through official channels. The PJ stated they are closely monitoring online platforms for similar cases and working with other authorities to trace and dismantle fraud networks using deepfake technology.
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