Fraudsters are creating convincing fake news articles that appear to be from reputable publishers such as The Guardian, using them to lure victims to cloned investment websites where personal details and money are stolen. The scams involve fabricated stories about high-profile figures like billionaire Jim Ratcliffe and naturalist David Attenborough, claiming they have made fortunes through undisclosed investment platforms.
How the Scam Works
The fake articles are shared on social media feeds. Clicking the link leads to a page that closely mimics the design of a legitimate news website, complete with real bylines and layout features. One reader described a fake Guardian article as a "very good clone." However, the headlines are typically longer than usual, and the articles contain links to cloned trading platforms, such as a fake version of the Kraken cryptocurrency exchange.
Once victims provide their details on the clone site, they are contacted by phone by scammers who pressure them to sign up to a different investment website and transfer money. No real investments are made; the sole aim is to steal the victim's cash.
Use of AI and Trusted Brands
The scams often use AI-generated images and fake endorsements. For example, financial campaigner Martin Lewis's name and image have been used in AI-generated false stories made to appear on BBC News sites. Full Fact, a fact-checking charity, noted that an image in a fake Ratcliffe article contained a SynthID watermark, indicating it was created using Google AI tools.
A Guardian spokesperson said: "The Guardian is one of several trusted media companies whose brand and reputation is exploited by criminals who are scamming victims with fake articles, fabricated headlines or imagery. The Guardian is an active member of the UK Home Office taskforce working group exploring cross-industry solutions to combat malicious scam ads. We enforce rigorous brand safety controls and strict compliance to protect readers in our own environments. Social media and advertising platforms have the greater visibility required to detect, block and prevent some of this activity at source and need to do more."
What Victims Can Do
Readers are advised to check URLs carefully and be skeptical of articles that promote specific investment companies or provide highlighted links. The Guardian does not promote companies or include such links in its coverage. Nick Percoco, Kraken's chief security officer, warned: "Criminals clone our brand precisely because it is trusted, then use invented news stories and AI-generated images to push people toward a copycat site that quietly takes their money. We actively monitor for these impersonation domains and work with registrars, hosting providers, and platforms to get them taken down, and we refer the networks behind them to law enforcement."
If you have handed over money or financial details, contact your bank immediately and report the matter to Report Fraud. Suspicious sites can also be reported directly to Kraken via their website.
