A recent investigation has uncovered a growing wave of fraudulent “AI-driven” trading platforms leveraging deepfake technology and fabricated online content to deceive global investors.

According to security researchers at Group-IB, cybercriminals are producing highly convincing fake videos, fabricated reviews, and targeted online ads to lure individuals into sophisticated investment scams.

Deepfake Endorsements by Public Figures

Central to these schemes are AI-generated deepfake videos featuring prominent public figures — including Dutch politician Geert Wilders — falsely endorsing non-existent trading platforms. These videos are designed to resemble legitimate news broadcasts, using voice cloning technology and manufactured urgency to create a false sense of exclusivity.

Victims are then directed to fraudulent news articles filled with fake expert interviews, manipulated charts, and glowing testimonials, all crafted to encourage sign-ups. Once registered, users are guided to trading platforms that request small initial deposits (often between $100 and $250) to avoid raising suspicion.

The scammers frequently demand sensitive personal data, such as identity documents, proof of residence, and even credit card images, under the pretense of account verification.

Multi-Channel Distribution Strategy

Group-IB’s analysis revealed a coordinated network of YouTube channels, social media profiles, and blog posts — hosted on platforms like Medium and Blogspot — actively promoting these fraudulent platforms. Content is localized to match the victim’s language and country, enhancing credibility.

Targeted countries include India, the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Mexico, Canada, Australia, the Czech Republic, Argentina, Japan, and Turkey. Notably, the fraudulent platforms appear inaccessible from US and Israeli IP addresses, indicating a deliberate focus on other regions.

Key tactics identified in these operations include:

• AI-generated videos impersonating public figures.
• Fake review sites hosted on free blogging platforms.
• Social media accounts posting casual, relatable content to build trust.
• Localization through IP-based geotargeting and language detection.

Coordinated Technical Infrastructure

Through network graph analysis, Group-IB connected a small set of registrants to dozens of scam-related domains, many sharing the same registrar and technical details. Some were also linked to other fraudulent investment sites, including AccuTraderOnline and 10kAPPA.

Researchers warn that the combination of professional design, psychological manipulation, and fabricated social proof makes these schemes particularly effective at lowering victims’ skepticism.

“This scheme, which combines social proof, psychological pressure, and professional-grade design, is highly effective,” concluded the report.

Key Takeaway:
These findings reinforce the urgent need for vigilance when encountering online investment offers — especially those linked to AI technology, deepfake video endorsements, or unverified reviews. Individuals and organizations alike should remain cautious, verify the legitimacy of platforms, and implement strong cybersecurity awareness practices to avoid falling victim to these evolving scams.

Source: https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/deepfake-ai-trading-scams-target